Open Writing

Early in the year my wife Betty and I began making preparations for our retirement. We wanted to spend our latter years relaxing in a place with a picturesque view, to be enjoyed while sitting in our own garden. With this in mind, at Betty could think of just one place, Ireland.

Recalling romantic Irish tales, those famous Irish writers and poets who have given pleasure to readers across the globe, and of course the friendly inhabitants with their endless good humour, I too could think of no better country in which to spend our retirement. Hopefully some of the creative magic to be found in that tranquil country would influence me and help to improve my writing.

When we alighted from a plane at Belfast City Airport we saw smiling faces. I knew then that we had made the right choice. At the taxi stand three taxi drivers helped the driver of a fourth taxi to unscrew the rear seats on his large vehicle, enabling it to accommodate my wheelchair. Then we headed for my sister-in-laws home. A group of Betty’s family were waiting to make us welcome to the new country that we had chosen to call home.

Due to a lack of wheelchair access none of the family could accommodate us. We booked into the Templeton hotel. The hotel staff were very friendly there was full wheelchair access. The Templeton is situated amid meadows, its only immediate neighbours being a variety of wildlife.

We immediately began a search for a new permanent home. Although several of the houses which we insepcted were structurally sound, they didn't fit the bill of being a place we could call home. We moved to another hotel, searched in a different area. We were unable to find a property that was suitable, so, to give ourselves a break from house-hunting we moved to a hotel in Carrickfergus, there to relax by the sea for a few days.

The town's marina is filled with craft small and large, and there is excellent fishing to be had from the end of the jetty. A stalwart castle stands high above the harbour, challenging anyone who might dare to invade these tranquil shores.

Then we saw it. My heart skipped a beat. I turned to Betty and there was a hint of a smile on her face. She looked at me as I held her hand. Not a word passed our lips. We were thinking the same thoughts. Could this really be then one?

We saw the large garden at the front, the well-built car port at the side, the bungalow's white walls. At the rear another garden, and another car port.

This two-bedroom bungalow was just what we had been looking for. From the front garden, with the sun beating down on my already tanned features, the view was a joy to behold. Far across the lush green meadows I saw my first Irish hare, running, jumping, stopping momentarily to give what seemed to be a friendly wave.

Betty placed her arm around my shoulders. We hadn’t spoken to each other while viewing the property. There was no need for words. This would be our new home. The place where we will spend the rest of our lives.

It's my birthday next week. I could have wished for no better present than the home of my dreams.