A last wish in Ireland

On our way back to the Dublin airport from County Kerry, Mom and I stopped in Kildare to pay a quick visit to St. Bridget's Cathedral. We wandered the cathedral, gazed up at the round tower and stopped at the wishing stone in front of the church.

I can't tell you what I wished for, 

because then my wish wouldn't come true.

But I can tell you that I didn't just wish. I said thanks. For a generous arts program in my state, which allowed me to embark on this amazing journey. For an adventurous and patient mom, who was a great traveling companion and so supportive of all I was learning. For excellent musicians and teachers, whose lessons I will never forget.

And most of all, for the harp. Always, for the harp. And, of course, for the crazy Irishman who gave it to me and set me on this path. Thanks, Jack.

(Mark your calendars for March 12, 2011, when my band and I will be performing the music I learned and composed in Ireland.)