#SEAMUS25TH

Big day today for me – big 25th anniversary, big reflections, and big news to share (I suggest reading the whole post, wait for it….).

Past – 25th Anniversary

I was a participant in Luther College‘s Nottingham, England study abroad program during the 1992-93 academic year.

A history and economics major, my travels, studies and interests in my paternal lineage led me on extensive bicycle tours of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 25 years ago, this very day – St. Patrick’s Day 1993 – I departed Nottingham on Seamus, the name of the bicycle I traveled on, for the latter tour of Northern Ireland and the Republic. The incredible events and personal growth I experienced left a major mark on my life story, beyond just mere good memories. The story was documented and shared within chapel in November 1993 – this is a link to that story (.pdf), which provides context for the photographs below, and in large part explains my deep and authentic connection to Ireland. My senior thesis incorporated the experiences (“British Policy in Northern Ireland (1968-1978): Nationalism, the Abrogation of Civil Rights, and the Rise of the Provisional I.R.A.”).

That year shaped my world view, interest in travel, and photography since then, and was one of the inspirations for a 40th birthday trip documented in 2012 at http://www.macvey.com.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”24″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_masonry” size=”180″ padding=”10″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_triggers_display=”always” captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”imagedate” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have been able to get back to Ireland for work and personal travel over the years:

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”25″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_masonry” size=”180″ padding=”10″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_triggers_display=”always” captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”imagedate” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

Present and Future – Big News + A Gift – August 2018

I believe every one of has a story to tell, and I have one to share.

I haven’t shared this publicly, but the last year or two have been difficult for me personally. When we lost Ciara last August 2017, there was significant symbolism and connection to Ireland surrounding her passing. The evening of 8/23/2017, I took C for a walk, during which she paused, gasped and fell with what was likely a stroke caused by hemangiosarcoma. A few days later, we said our goodbyes.

When she fell, it was into a bed of clover and shamrocks.

In recent weeks, my nephew, Chris, and I have been sharing a lot about his – and girlfriend Emma’s – first trip to Ireland in April. It has been cathartic and joyful to be able to connect with him on a place that left its imprint on me. I’ve dusted off mementos, books, maps, and experiences to share with him, triggering a calling to get back to Ireland to reconnect.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when my friend, Merv, texted me to inquire if I’d be interested in photographing his August 2018 wedding. I was honored to be asked. Merv – who’s originally from Galway, Ireland – proceeded to inform me that he and Alpa, his fiancee, will be getting married in Ireland, and have reserved private use of a location for the wedding. That location is the world-famous Waterford Castle Resort. Yes, I mean THAT Waterford Castle. While my Irish tenor 1 vocal cords have 20 years of rust, I volunteered to sing as well, which would be, well, a pretty amazing and memorable experience for me.

The plan is to travel to Dublin with Kristen, then down to Waterford for me to photograph and sing. The Friday night stays in Waterford will be at the Castle for the rehearsal and wedding + reception, respectively.

This trip – #SEAMUS25TH – is a gift and a blessing for which I am grateful to be able to use as a catalyst to share authentic, creative gifts for personal growth.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2018!

God bless,

Terry

#SEAMUS25TH #everyoneofushasastorytotell

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”26″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_masonry” size=”180″ padding=”10″ display_type_view=”default” ngg_triggers_display=”always” captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”imagedate” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]