Dear Friends,
So, it has been a while. I needed to take time away, both because of my trip and because I wanted to process a lot. It was a profoundly meaningful trip, for many reasons. I don’t want to share much about family matters, just that it was so important to spend time with loved ones. I also got to visit my great-grandparents’ graves for the first time and also got to visit the town where my grandmother and some of my dad’s siblings were born. And I got to visit my dad’s grave shared with my grandparents. All around me, I felt my family’s energy. It felt like home.
It was my longest time away from my mom, and also my longest trip with just Tara. I feel so proud of this! It was a lot for Tara to manage, along with coordinating all the arrangements and the emotional side of things with family, but she was so good at being my travel buddy. She and I had an awesome detour up to Donegal, where I had never been. Wow! It was so wild and yet calming. It was astounding.
I also got to meet with some local Spellers! I loved that. There is a lot to do for building community and expanding access to communication in the country. There are some strong advocates already, and I am excited to scheme with them in the future!
I am still jetlagged and my body is so confused. My regulation was very challenged in the second half of the trip after being over-tired, but I managed to stay calm even though I couldn’t sleep for several nights. I am so grateful I could maintain composure despite being on edge. One of my cousins in particular is so great at including me, and she helped me stay engaged in helping her cook one evening when my compulsions were particularly strong and Tara desperately needed some time alone. I loved that! There was no shaming, just joy in being together.
I have been struggling with restlessness and dysregulation since coming home. But it is not too bad. There is so much to process! And I am so eager to share more in the future. For now, hello again, and it is nice to be back!
Your Friend,
Danny
Danny With Words 