Today was the final day of my life in Ireland. I miss K-C already, miss Ma, Mrs U – they’ve all come to mean so much to me I’m not sure how to cope without them being there for me. I spent the majority of the morning running about getting things organised, ready to leave. I threw a lot of stuff out and gave a lot more stuff to Kate than I had thought I would. I’ve still quite a heavy bag, but it’s not as bad as I expected. I’m going to have to lighten it if I plan to do the real backpacking thing. I still haven’t decided about that yet. They toasted me with rum before I left & everyone hugged me. Ma barely even touched me before she said ‘bye’ & was away back towards the gym. I looked about and Koff was out the back door – I’d no idea what was going on until I looked again at Ma & realised that the tears had started. I went upstairs to get my stuff into K’s car then came back & said to her that I was going to the gym to say goodbye to Ma properly. I walked in and she shouted at me to go back to the carpark cause she was waving to me. I said ‘don’t be stupid, come here’ & hugged her. She kissed me on the cheek and started to cry again. It was a pretty sad moment…I really have got to know her very well and feel lucky to have found someone that will look after me when I’m on the other side of the world. At the airport there were no tears, we just sat and talked and had a drink. It was such a laugh. I always have such a laugh with Mrs U; and I always love spending time with K-C. When we decided I had to go I hugged Mrs U & then K-C. She kissed me on the cheek and whispered that she missed me already. I never wanted to let go of her. I wanted her to come with me. They jokingly waved tissues at me as I walked through to security, which I laughed at. Oh my god…I can not imagine never seeing her again. Feel a little sick in the stomach just thinking about it! The tears were held back until I got through security & got a phone call from her; in tears – “I’m not over you”. The 2 minutes didn’t work, not as predicted. I’m not over her either – it will take a lot more than 3 minutes. I’ve really fallen for her. I think I probably even love her. She said that the tears started as soon as she’d walked away & Mrs U turned, looked at her and said ‘you alright?’
