This blog is dedicated to the family I found in Cork.
Being thousands of miles away from home can be isolating and depressing at times especially during the holidays. Thanksgiving is particularlly an American holiday that represents family, blessings, and thankfulness. The holiday is centered around family and close ones so being away from home was a little difficult.
I wondered how I was going to spend the holiday since I had a game, super league practice, and coaching on Thanksgiving day. I had many obligations to tend to on therefore I was unable to join the other scholars in Belfast to celebrate.
But, the day before I attended a Friendsgiving hosted by Grainne Dwyer, which is ironic because she plays on an opposing super league team, but opened up her home and friendship with open arms. She cooked an amazing ham, which I have to say might have been the best Thanksgiving ham I have ever tasted (sorry Grandma). My grandmother prides herself on her southern style cooking and is known to make a delicious potato salad and honey ham. The Friendsgiving was filled with love, laughs, and gratefulness. We were all blessed with the opportunity to meet and also spend the holidays in Ireland.
The next day after Thanksgiving my assistant coach Cheryl invited me over to her house to celebrate the holiday with her and her family. Cheryl has played an instrumental part during my adjustment in Cork, she has become more than just an assistant but more of an older sister and friend! She has always been so thoughtful and supportive with everything that I do and I couldn’t thank her enough!
Needless to say, my Thanksgiving was a blessed one full of love, food, and most importantly family!
