Well, I fulfilled Don's dream of going to Ireland. It was bitter-sweet because he was not with me but I enjoyed every minute of it.....for both of us. I know that he is not aware of me going because he is sleeping (Ecclesiastes 9:5-10). It comforted me to be where we were longing to go. I enjoyed the "Emerald Isle" and have many memories to share. The violin concerts that Elana was in were spectacular...bringing tears to my eyes at times. What a treat to share it with Don's family and the Waters. In addition to castles and the countryside with its stone walls, the trees were in full bloom and the flowers were everywhere. Don would have loved it. Grandson David is going to post a video of some pictures. He took 800. He, however, seldom takes them of people unless we force him too. He is a scenery guy. I will let you know how to access them.
I looked at the Irish clan names and found Baty. No O'Baty but Baty. Obviously, no crest was shown because the family must have left during the famine. We visited the museum in Cork where most of the emigrants left from. I can just see Don's family leaving for America. When we were in Wales in 2002, Don checked to find the name there, believing that the Baty's were Welsh. But the name was not there. Maybe the manifesto of the people is somewhere to find. I will try.
I am auxillary pioneering this month...that means I signed up to volunteer 30 hours to try and teach others. Because I was sick with bronchitis when I came home, I did not quite succeed but I came close and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I feel such a need to give back because of all the blessings I have had in my life. Jehovah had been exceptionally good to Don and I.
I have ordered the headstone for our grave.It is a double heart with wedding rings intertwined Our wedding date is there as is our dates of birth/death. My children saw the proofs and agreed with my choice. I had definite ideas about it and was successful and accomplishing it. The family is invited to the unveiling in June. i am not sure when but I will try to pick a convenient date. I will fix a simple meal so that we can be together for a bit more.
Thank you for reading my blog. I know I haven't been writing as much but it has proven to be a healing thing for me to express my feelings and my progress as I live my life on my own after 54 years....not something I was looking forward to but was thrust upon me.
