Beata: a sweet soul.
We made that assessment the minute we met her last year when our family stayed at Silken Thomas in Kildare.
She gave so much of her time and care to see that my 75th birthday stay at this wonderful establishment was something special.
Perfect strangers we were, but in her case it takes only an instant to recognize her inner beauty.
I knew when we left Kildare that I would always remember Beata and her generosity of spirit.
I was thrilled earlier this year that my former student and friend Rhonda had the opportunity to meet Beata when she stayed here after completing St. Brigid's Way.
Bill and I checked in to Silken Thomas yesterday and learned we would be staying in another beautiful room in the Virginia Lodge next door to the main section of the B and B, restaurant and bar.
We were disappointed, though, to learn that Beata had the day off and that we would not see her. It was obvious while talking to staff how much she is appreciated.
"Even Beata deserves a day off," Caroline said as Mary was completing our check-in at what has become one of our favorite stops in Ireland.
Later, after seeing our beautiful accommodations, I asked Caroline if Beata had anything to do with our unplanned upgrade.
She smiled.
"VIP," she said.
As one who could never imagine such a status, I was blown away and definitely humbled by the kind and generous gesture.
Many thanks, Beata.
Meanwhile, Sandpoint knows another such soul.
Her name is Debbie, and her last name reflects the inner beauty she continually shares with the world around her.
Mom and Dad Love have experienced a huge dose of that generous, kind and loving spirit this past few days.
While Elisabeth---another kind and caring soul who always happily watches our beloveds and our place whenever we go away--has done everything possible to keep the doggies and horses safe in our absence and especially since Liam's passing from a mysterious toxin, Debbie Love has continued to pitch in.
The doggies appreciate seeing a family face, so Debbie has come to play with them and to love them in our absence. Last night she sent videos which mean so much to us.
These three instances of caring and generosity of spirit have sustained us and have reminded us once more of the universal goodness of people in a world which seems to be filled with so much ill will and evil.
They're shining lights, just like all the wonderful people we've met and those with whom we've reconnected along our way on this two-week visit to Ireland.
To all who have made us smile, who have welcomed us and who have made a difficult few days much easier, we say a sincere and heartfelt thanks.
It's been a beautiful trip.
We are grateful for its relative smoothness and for the many poignant and profound reminders, through kind words and deeds, that goodness does prevail, especially when life throws you lemons.
We're heading home. It's gonna be a LONG day, and it will almost be a new day when we walk through the door to our new reality.
I'm taking a break from the blog until Saturday or Sunday, so thanks to all who have enjoyed the journey with us. It's been fun to share the beauty of Ireland.
Special thanks to dear Elisabeth who has gone the extra mile for us and for our beloveds during this difficult week. We love you and appreciate you.
Also, I want to wish my sisters, Barbara and Laurie, and my brother Kevin a safe journey as they set off on their own adventure just hours after we arrive home.
They're taking Barbara's horse Dusty to the Arabian National Horse Show in Tulsa, Okla, in hopes of winning some more national championships.
Both Barbara and Laurie will compete, and Kevin will serve as their support system.
Good luck and safe travels.
Happy Thursday.
Next stop for Bill and me, HOME!
After a day of significant rain, the skies cleared allowing us to spend some time walking on the Curragh plain near Kildare.
Kildare is horse country with its Curragh Race Track and the magnificent Irish National Stud.
Even in the rain, as we arrived in Kildare, the Thoroughbreds were working out at the huge facility.
The plain also serves as a grazing area for sheep, a dog-walking area and a place for humans to get out and walk or run.
High speed trains zip through the middle, adding an interesting touch to the wide-open area where Mel Gibson's "Brave Hart" was filmed.
There's something very special and liberating about walking the plain, and I'm glad we were able to do it again on this trip.
St. Brigid's Cathedral in Kildare
St. Brigid is one of the patron saints of Ireland.
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