I remember the first time I learned from my father that we are Irish.  I was a little girl, not even old enough to go to school yet, and he told me that our name, O'Brien,  means that we are Irish.  I cannot explain it, but from that time forward, I was so very proud of my last name.  In the years that followed, I became more and more interested in my heritage, a past that was not shared with my father by his family.  I discovered that my father's great-grandfather had come to the United States from Ireland and settled in the rich farm country of Southern Illinois.  But through the few records that I have been able to uncover about my ancestor, I have been unable to find out where exactly in Ireland he was born.

Despite that "brick wall" I know deep in my heart that I want to travel to Ireland and just feel my past.  I, like many other people, have a bucket list and for many years, visiting Ireland has been on the top of that list.  Although retirement for me is closer than it is for most people, I fear I will not be able to go due to the expense of traveling there.  And that is the plain and simple truth.  I realize that the competition to win this contest will be fierce, and I envy and congratulate the person who wins, if not me.  

A trip to Ireland would mean the world to me.  I cannot wait to experience the culture, the lush, beautiful land, and the people, to whom I share a kinship that I understand and admire.  

I will break through that brick wall and find out where my family began in Ireland.  I will continue to love my homeland whether I ever get there or not.  And thanks to the Wild Geese, I will continue to be connected to Ireland and my heritage for many years to come.

Thank you for your consideration of my entry in this contest and may God bless you all.

Cindy O'Brien Lee