As a child, my holidays were split between home in England and my extended family over here. I grew up claiming I was Irish, and I certainly was (well half of me was!). Through my teen years, the isle of shamrocks became a less frequent place for me to visit, though I still made it over to Dublin every now and again, but sadly not down to the house near Limerick. I hadn't been to either of these places for a good three years now, so it's brilliant to be back.
I've realised that I've missed things I barely even noticed. I've especially missed hearing the accent. I've missed it so much that I'm now determined to live here for a least three months at some point so I never forget how to pick it up. I've also missed going home and having my friends tell me how Irish I sound because I start using all these expressions I remember from when I was younger. It's great to rediscover these connections to my roots and hopefully, now I'm older, I won't forget them so easily.
My family is staying with my aunt in the house near Limerick- the same house my mum and her two sisters spent every holiday at growing up. The same house I spent many holidays at growing up. I haven't been here since I was nine or ten and remember very little but, despite this, I've realised there are so many things that have changed. The horse I used to feed apples to has moved on. The old metal furniture on the gravel has disappeared. The little shed my giant doll used to live in has been demolished (though Lily herself is very much alive and well!). The changes are huge but the place is the same.
It's been a brilliant reminder of youth just as I prepare to enter the adult world. And it's something I should remember.
Over and out.
Over and out.
This post was amazing! I love the idea that as you're moving into adulthood, you take time to go back and remember all the little things that made you happy when you were a kid. Everyone should do this!
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