Derry Diary #21
19-20th July 2004
Rosemount, Derry
Cloudy periods of sun and rain

Leaving is probably the hardest of all things to do, especially when we've made connections and have the memories fresh in our mind. Tonite as we progress from clean-up tasks to mini-retreat to mini-bus to Belfast City Airport, we needed to pass through the long good-byes.

After working the morning at Brooke Park, the group said good-bye and went to the walled city to buy gifts for a few hours. Tonite we had Elaine, Tommy, Jackie, Sean, Fran and Daryll for a beef stew dinner for 16. Cal and I cooked. No, strike that, Cal cooked and I just looked pretty. Everything turned out and everyone was pleased as punch. Good craic.

I was astounded when I walked outside in the front of the center to see 30 or so youngsters, and oldsters, around the front of the building, signing tee-shirts and and baseballs with our people. We've had similar nights before but never as large as this. Maybe 4 or 5 wanes in front of the "Stardust" but not a group as large as this.

Tears were flowing, from the hard core to the gentle wee souls, and that was just us.

Andrew and Conor

Leaving is always bitter/sweet and has at its core a genuine desire to continue to be a part of it. But it does need to end. We need to go as part of the community of Derry forever, but not belonging to it, if that makes any sense.

A few die hard young people are still outside at this writing while the kids are working to make Rosemount Resource Centre sparkly like we found it almost.

Janelle and her fans

Tis bitter sweet for me too when I said good-bye to James whom I have known since he was 11 and Darren whom I have know for 5 years. "Oh, you'll be back," they say. And probably I will, but when I do not know. Right now their is sadness in the air and anticipation. And in a few hours we will be flying home on United and Derry 2004 becomes a memory to be cherished. The experiences of these 8 young people and two old people are truly unique and difficult to share with our loved ones. No matter how hard we try to explain events and situations, there will always be a disconnect of experience. I suppose that is the way of things.

Patti and Gerard

Derry 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, from the Stardust in the Bog to Rosemount Centre in Rosemount, a little bit of work and a whole lot of experience has affected another group.

Thanks for your emails and support of this program from St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco. Except for a reflection, this is the last of the Derry Diaries of 2004.

No more later.

cheers,

paul and Cal