Two would have been plenty if not for fate. Serendipity. Chance?
My Mom never had the luxury of traveling to any great distance.
A few years ago though, she was invited to join my Aunt Trisha and Uncle Jim’s church group; the choir was traveling to Ireland to sing and explore and they had room for extra guests.
This was an affordable option for Bev to see her homeland.
(She is a Sullivan by birth; her dad was Irish, mom was Italian)
I remember her being so excited for this trip; her first overseas adventure.
She had a lovely time…got to see so much of the beautiful Irish countryside. She was able to spend a good amount of time with my Aunt, Uncle, and also two long-time family friends Riley and Jim who attend the same church and are frequent travelers to Ireland.
It’s a spectacular sight just to see on the internet or in photos…I can’t imagine how lovely it is in person.
While we were cleaning out my Mom’s apartment, my Aunt came across the ticket stub for The Cliffs that my Mom had saved.
Meanwhile: our good friends Riley and Jim were not going to be able to attend my Mom’s internment service in GA, because they were traveling to Ireland that particular weekend.
Riley and Jim had the forethought a few months ago to ask if we’d like them to bring some of my Mom’s ashes back to Ireland; knowing how much she loved it there.
We all agreed that this was something Mom would have loved.
Jim and Riley sent me this email while still in Ireland.
What a special day. We feel so honored that you allowed us to bring Bev back to Ireland. The day was overcast but comfortable, and the wind and sea were inordinately calm like the Cliffs were waiting for Bev. I put her ticket stub in between stone panels, so she would always have passage. We found a perfect niche in the stone wall where she will be protected from the elements. JD picked wildflowers and said a lovely prayer. It was noon Irish time. Thank you for allowing us this privilege.
Love, the D’s.
Could anything be more perfect? I don’t think so.
Of course, you know I have to find something silly in everything.
When Riley sent the email the subject line said: The Cliffs of Moher.
What did I see?
The Cliffs of MOTHER.
They need to be renamed and they now belong to Bev.
The Cliffs of Moher are absolutely breathtaking – pictures don't do them justice! I just love that they were able to do this for you and now you have an excuse to go to Ireland!
Oh, Suz. I loved reading your beautiful words as you have laid your Mama to rest. I pray she is dancing and singing and feeling unlimited joy in heaven today. I love you. I am sorry for your grave loss.
That was so sweet and beautiful – – – and I read the same thing! It reminds me of my younger brother who had the delightful task of spreading our father's ashes. He rode us a long story about how he and dad drove here and then there – – – etc – – – and dad left a bit of himself at each place they visited!
Busy Bee Suz 
Beautiful tribute to your mother. I just know she would have loved this.
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How wonderful that your mother was able to get to Ireland and that two good friends to take her back. I agree that the cliffs need to be renamed.
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The Cliffs of Moher are absolutely breathtaking – pictures don't do them justice! I just love that they were able to do this for you and now you have an excuse to go to Ireland!
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Wah…crying now! Just so darn sweet of them and so perfect and touching and amazing. Love this in such a sweet but sad way!
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Oh, Suz. I loved reading your beautiful words as you have laid your Mama to rest. I pray she is dancing and singing and feeling unlimited joy in heaven today. I love you. I am sorry for your grave loss.
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That was so sweet and beautiful – – – and I read the same thing! It reminds me of my younger brother who had the delightful task of spreading our father's ashes. He rode us a long story about how he and dad drove here and then there – – – etc – – – and dad left a bit of himself at each place they visited!
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What a lovely thing for her friends to do!
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oh this post is the greatest and i always love that you find humor in everything!
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Aww, what a sweet and wonderful thing to do! I think you're right, they should be renamed cliffs of mother. 🙂
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i cried again reading it… thank you for sharing this beautiful story with me.
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Yes, definitely rename the cliffs! What a beautiful note from Jim and Riley. They are great friends.
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How perfectly lovely! I love this. When I read the Cliffs of Mother the first time I read it up there, too! It was meant to be. She owns them now.
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..and this little post made me tear up a little. How sweet.
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How very special. Brings tears to my eyes. Love to each of you.
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Beautiful. What wonderful friends!
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Makes for a beautiful ending.
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Makes for a beautiful ending.
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