Horseman at Dormoland Castle in Ireland

This was a fabulous trip. We stayed at the Dormoland Castle in West Ireland. When we arrived at the castle, we were met by horsemen and about 20 Beagles

I had the privilege to visit a place I’ve always dreamed of… Ireland. And, I was not disappointed at all. I was part of a group of 12 people who were invited to visit Ireland and tour a few hotels and castles. When we got to the west part of Ireland, we stayed at the Dormoland Castle not far from Shannon Airport. On our last evening in Ireland, a host family took us to their home for an Irish dinner. The wife was a retired flight attendant and artist. I’m not sure what the husband’s occupation was. Anyway, we had a scrumptious dinner and great conversation. The couple was so happy that we came to visit. The wife showed us all of her paintings and it was an incredible time we had at their home. Time was flying by and before you knew it, it was almost midnight, and the husband had to drive us back home to the castle.  

We were in the car driving back to the castle and the husband mentioned to us that his wife discovered recently that her cancer had return. As a matter of fact earlier in the day she had spent most of her time at the hospital getting some tests done. We felt really bad hearing this news. This woman had so much on her mind, yet, she sacrificed her time, wearing herself out to cook this fabulous 5-course meal, after spending most of the day at the hospital. I began to get teary thinking about this selfless couple. He then said that he overheard during our conversation at the house that we were Christians. He asked that we pray for her. I immediately added her to my prayer list.

Earlier on our trip, one of the hotels gave us beautiful bathrobes. Well, I have many bathrobes in my closets at home and carrying a big bulky one back to the states was going to be challenging, especially since my bags were already filled to the brink with other gifts from Ireland. As I listened to this man tell his story, the thought ran through my mind, why not give him the bathrobe for his wife. We arrived back at the castle and I went to my room got the robe, which was already wrapped, in elegant packaging. I brought it to him and told him it was a gift for his wife, something for her to wrap herself in during the trying  times. He grabbed me, hugged me and wept. He said this was the nicest thing he had experienced in a long time. I am glad I had the bathrobe to make someone’s day special.