I was in Ireland for two weeks and enjoyed it very much. I spent time with my family in county Clare and felt at home as always. Sadly, my equine friend Newton passed away while I was gone. I am still taking it very hard.

The mind is full of many thoughts these days. I don't want to be a US citizen anymore. If I could, I'd declare Irish citizenship, but I'm one generation off from doing so. My Dad was able to do so with no effort simply because he is second generation. As third generation, I can only become an Irish citizen by needing a very good excuse to emigrate there. In a perfect world, I'd emigrate and spend the rest of my days there. I first went to Ireland 16 years ago and felt more at home there than in my own country. The feelings still hold true today.

I'd be willing to do the work, live there and just be a normal person there if I had the chance. I'd also change my last name legally back to what it is in Ireland. My Dad, before I was born changed his name because the family name was not of Irish origin, even though our family has been in Ireland for centuries. It's caused a great deal of tension between my Dad and the family, sadly.

If that reality ever comes true, I'll be here in the US for now, doing the best I can, being a dude from Syracuse who now lives in AK with a wife I love. Be good to one another, please. ~Declan