"Would you like
some more tea?"
May asks.
"Yes, thanks.
You know,
there's nothing
like an Irish breakfast
to start the day.
I'm really getting hooked
on this hot tea and cream
in the morning."
"Yes, that was the thing
I missed most
about Ireland
while we were in the States.
The tea there
just isn't the same.
Anyway, we're both done
in the restroom,
so you can head up
for a bath
whenever you get ready."
"Okay, thanks.
In fact,
I think I'll go ahead
and just leave this cup of tea
for when I come back down."
"Okay dear."
Bill silently nods and smiles
between sips of tea
as I get up from the table.
I walk up the stairs,
still marveling
at how good I feel.
I should have
a terrible hangover,
but instead I feel great:
yet another of God's
small miracles.
-------
"Do you need
your tea reheated?"
May asks
as I return to the table.
"No thanks,
it's probably okay.
How's your back
feeling this morning, Bill?"
"It's better,
but it still hurts."
"I hope the doctor
can do something
for you,"
May chimes in.
"Todd,
will you stay here
at the house
while we're at
the doctor's office,
or would you prefer
to come with us?"
"Actually,
the owner of the pub
asked me to stop by
to see him
before I leave town,
so I may as well
go see him
while you’re gone."
"Oh really?
I wonder what
he wants to speak
with you about?"
"I don't know,
he didn't say."
“Well, I hope you enjoy
your chat with him.
Oh, that must be Carmel
at the door.
I'll get it."
"Hello, Todd,"
Carmel greets me
as she enters the room.
"How was your evening?
Did you have a grand time
with the girls?"
"Yeah, it was great."
"Lovely.
And how about you, Bill,
are you feeling better
this morning?"
"Yes, a bit.
I still want
to go have him
take a look, though."
"Yes, well,
shall we be off?
we can ride in my car."
"Thanks so much, Carmel.
You really are wonderful."
"You're welcome, Bill.
It's my pleasure
to help out."
"Well, good luck.
I'll see you in a while,"
I say as I step out
onto the sidewalk
ahead of them.
There is a light drizzle,
so I pull the brim
of my travel hat
down close to my glasses.
Lord Jesus,
please bless Bill.
Pour your healing grace
over him.
Bless both him and May
abundantly for their generosity.
Return their love
by healing his back.
-------
"Hi, I'm looking
for the owner of the pub.
He asked me
to stop by to see him.
Is he busy?"
"Sorry. He went into
Castlebar this morning
to fetch some supplies.
He should be back
anytime now if you'd
like to wait."
"That's okay,
I'll check back later.
Thanks."
Now what?
I suppose
there's no use
wandering town
in this weather.
I head back
to Bill and May's,
hoping they left
the door open for me.
Before I get far,
I hear a whistle call
up the street behind me.
Turning around,
I see the owner
waving me back to the pub.
Oh boy.
I was kind of hoping
to get out of this.
I wonder if he plans
to upbraid me
for my poor manners
last night?
Well, I guess
I'll find out soon enough.
-------
"Hi, I'm Pat Walsh."
"Todd Russell.
Nice to meet you."
"Have a seat over there
and make yourself
at home.
I'll be back
in just a moment.
I have to let my wife
know that I've returned."
"Okay."
I have a seat
at a little table for two.
It's funny
how much different
this place looks
in the daytime.
Much more homey.
I catch myself
chewing my nails
and put my hands
under my thighs
so that I don't look
quite so nervous.
Pat returns with a smile.
"So, Todd,
tell me about your journey."
I give him
the brief summary
version of my travels
thus far,
commenting on my favorite
sites and stops.
"You know,
when I was your age,
I took a similar trip
through the United States.
I was there
for nearly a month.
It was a great trip
and I learned a lot
about myself
and the world.
Take a look
around this place, Todd.
This pub
is all I have.
Sometimes business
is tough,
hours are long,
but I always manage
to get by somehow.
See that woman
behind the counter?
That's my wife.
Even today,
she is still
the most beautiful woman
in the world to me.
I could never make it
without her.
She and our children
give me the energy
to keep going.
I love them all
more than life.
I have a simple life,
but I wouldn't
trade it for anything.
Someday, you'll have a wife
and children
and you will see
that the most important thing
you will ever do
is to provide for them
and love them
with all your heart."
Suddenly,
I realize why
Pat wanted to see me.
One wanderer
always recognizes another.
He saw it in me
last night:
the wanderlust.
He's taken this same journey.
It was in a different place,
at a different time,
but it was the same journey
that every wanderer takes:
the journey to find out
who you are
and where you belong.
There's no reason
to fear chastisement
from Pat.
He just wants
to let this wanderer know
that one day,
I too will lay down
my roots
and that it will be okay.
He just wants to let me know
that there's no need
to wander forever.
He just wants to let me know
that a wanderer can find
happiness
even when
the wandering ends.
I smile
a knowing smile
at Pat,
and listen intently
to the rest of his wisdom.