When asked what a review of my life would look like, I’d inevitably request that poetry is added to Smile, by Charlie Chaplin; classical music to moments of newly found strength and those slapstick moments appear in the Odd News paragraph. Neither would offend my sensibilities, as I can pack a good few things in that large, worn suitcase of a weary dreamer, in my mind that is a lost and found lover of the arts and of course, of books, libraries and any kind of Psychology.
Knowing that the first to go isn’t the mind but indeed the body, and that momentum is everything in life, the main thread in the story would ultimately be one of joy. Living life unscathed is impossible to achieve. The only way to fill in the blanks is by adding what you do outside of those hours of dread. For some, it only takes a pencil and drawing board, for others a suitcase and a roadmap. I picked up pen and paper.
Personal dynamics change continuously, and so does the dynamic between family members and/or friends. Oftentimes seemingly loose country dynamics also change, but not so in my narrative. The lover in my story is immortal Ireland. To see the real Ireland, the sea, the ocean, the mountains, the patches of green under constantly changing shadows, is to know its people. Despite trying to give Ireland the best of both worlds, it ended up taking up part of me. Lex talionis not applied, I abide by its spirit and ever-welcoming mind.
Twelve and a half years and counting, my family have also fallen for Ireland’s grace. Being able to conquer the heart of my home-loving, strong mother and best friend, she now counts down the days till we meet again… on Irish soil.
Some of what might eventually be part of that very review
Vesti la Giubba, by Placido Domingo
Stephen, the mad Irishman (in Braveheart)
Scrat (from Ice Age)
Beautiful Day – World MS Day Video
©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me, 2011-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thank you! :)
It appears the sweet soul of Ireland passes through you and out to others….Thank you for sharing your love.