Day Nine: Hannah

Throughout our adventures at these must-see sites, I could not help but think that these exist in what was my great-grandfather’s backyard. He was born in Derry, the next town on our way through Northern Ireland. I always knew of my strong Irish ancestry, and yes, I may have heard of a town called Derry, but it may as well have been mythology to me. The moment the town of Derry was finally in my viewpoint, I was able to truly understand my families’ Irish connection. Patrick Fitzgibbon was baptized in St. Columba’s Church, the same church in which his parents were married. Today I walked, quite literally, in their footsteps. I searched for Windmill Terrace, the street where he grew up, and stood where they stood. These people are my family. I cannot fully comprehend the struggles they underwent as devout Catholics in an area of constant religious conflict, but I am able to see the town from their viewpoint. I have gained a new perspective of the word “home.” When I return to the U.S. in a few days, this town will add to my definition of home.
Beautifully written! I do believe your Irish is showing!
ReplyDelete