day 9

Today was probably my most relaxing day. All to myself. I slept in till 9am (Ted left for golf at 7am), grabbed breakfast and coffee around 10am, then headed to the spa for a few hours. I sat in these heated seats overlooking the lakes in my big comfy robe, while sipping on some tea. I'm in Ireland!

I had my very first facial which was awesome. I came back to my hotel room to shower and then grabbed my book and made my way to the chic hotel bar and restaurant. I was craving simple food which I hadn't had much of lately. I ordered nachos. It was exactly what I wanted.

Tonight is the farewell reception for the top performers conference. We'll get dressed up and eat amazing food and be served great wine. An Irish band will be playing again.

This has been a wonderful trip spent with Ted's brother and fiance and some of Ted's Farmland Food co-workers and then obviously incredible to have spent time with our friends in Paris. But, I miss my Elle and this has been a really long time away from her. I'm seriously forgetting what it is like to hold and kiss her and change her diaper! I am worried about getting her back on schedule and hoping she'll go back to sleeping through the night.

I think about my Parents daily, wishing they were alive so I could buy them funny little souvenirs from these beautiful places we have been. I had one major crying attack while here and it was at the strangest place and time. But in situations like this, some days it just hits you.
I was sitting at the airport in Paris waiting for our flight to Ireland. I was giddy looking through my pictures and thinking of my beautiful Hermes scarf I had purchased. But then, I pictured my Mother and Father on the porch. My Dad being killed and my Mother seeing what had happened and the fear she must have felt. That kills me every single day. I started to breathe really heavily, almost hyperventilating, and had to excuse myself to the bathroom. I literally had pains in my chest. I think this was an anxiety attack. This happens to my Sister but I never had experienced this that bad. I just don't see how I can ever get past how they died. And the constant wish to talk to them and give them the biggest hug ever, will always be on my mind.
They would be so proud though. Proud of my travels and my new life as a Mother and how I try everyday to be closer and closer to my Family- their fathers and siblings....

I am really lucky to have experienced these beautiful places. I will always love to travel and I look forward to many more adventures throughout my life with my family and friends.

Lots of love,
Melissa