10 Comments
User's avatar
Ellen O’Donnell's avatar

Amen, my friend.

I found the Irish in Dingle curious when the subject came up. All it took was my identity as an American, and sympathetic engagement came quickly, and a curiosity about how I felt.

Don’t worry about the Irish, they’re worried about us…

Glad you found your glimmer in the young people.

Expand full comment
Mary E Plouffe Ph D's avatar

What a joy to meet you and so many others writers. And to take a deep breath of Irish courage before returning home. The world is on our side.

Expand full comment
Renée Paternoster's avatar

Love your poignant writing, Mary!

Expand full comment
Mary E Plouffe Ph D's avatar

Thank you Renee. Courage is contagious and I needed to feel their strength.

Expand full comment
Triss Critchfield's avatar

Wonderful reflection, Mary! Thank you!

Expand full comment
Francine Falk-Allen's avatar

Mary, I also glean hope from young people. They are the ones who open and hold the door for me when I am struggling with my crutch. They are the ones who seem, rightly, the most concerned about the environment. I know that some have given up, and don't vote, and don't see how they can make a difference. But it's not true of all of them, and I applaud them and look to them for a better future. Of course, they need us to participate, and probably to fund what is needed. So that much we have, we have savings, or many of us do. Thanks, Mary. Francine Falk-Allen

Expand full comment
Mary E Plouffe Ph D's avatar

It lifts my spirits.

We have left them an appalling mess to clean up, an ethical desert in government and a greed focused culture. Yet they have determination, hope and empathy.

They cannot kill the good in us. No matter how hard they try.

Expand full comment
Bella Mahaya Carter's avatar

I enjoy your thoughtful writing, Mary. I agree. We are better than this.

Expand full comment
Evelyn Dunphy's avatar

No one "says it better" Mary. I wait for your letters..

Expand full comment
Mary E Plouffe Ph D's avatar

Thank you Evelyn! ❤️

Expand full comment