Across the Miles

A few months ago, Sr. Emmanuel returned to her community in Vietnam after spending three years in our community here in Kilmacud . During that time she had an opportunity to study aspects of our Carmelite Charism and also perfect her English, with the added flavour of a slightly Dublin 4 accent!! Some of our sisters accompanied her to Dublin Airport to say a final goodbye.

These days about 45,000 people per day are passing through the Airport. Many are accompanied by parents and grandparents who have come to say goodbye as loved ones return to jobs, study, etc.,
after celebrating Christmas with family and friends in Ireland.

At the airport we can see love manifest in human form. Everyone wants to say goodbye, and to say it well in gesture and word. Sometimes, no more than a whisper in the ear and
that last touch of the hand at the departure gate. Lips moving so clearly that one can spell the words: “Don’t forget the rashers and the Tayto! Say hello to everyone.”

To breathe in a deep gulp of love for a second and --- then to hold it for another year. Oh, there is time for one last, enormous hug; that extra hug that a child can carry with them across the miles
over the seas. And teary-eyed parents and grandparents loudly whispering: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. And until we meet again, may God hold you safely in the palm of His hand.
And don’t forget to give a taste of God’s love to anyone who may need it. WE LOVVVVVE YOU!!”

May each one of us always treasure the love of our family and friends.