Lord,
Danny and Dolores headed off gallivanting today,
their destination,
a long-awaited shopping trip to Newry.

Danny and Dolores’s first text announced their arrival
at the Europa Bus Station.
Another text informed us
that Danny and Dolores were now enjoying lunch
in The Shelbourne.
A final text arrived to say
that Danny and Dolores were now back home
safe and sound.

When we visited after work
Danny and Dolores were grinning
from ear to ear.
Tales were told about
the luxurious bus,
a friendly bus driver,
a delightful lunch at The Shelbourne,
and, of course,
seasoned shoppers’ assessments
of Newry’s shops!

Danny and Dolores had dandered around Newry,
enjoying its shops, its food
and each other’s company!
Danny and Dolores had had a ball
and had returned from their excursion
tired, excited and satisfied.

Only two weeks ago
the pain and tiredness caused by Danny’s illness
had forced him to shelve any plans
for a shopping trip to Newry.
For us, Danny feeling well enough
to undertake that journey
was simply the height of luxury.

Lord,
in the darkness of Danny’s illness
today stood out as a real jewel of a day,
a cause for celebration
and for giving thanks.
Danny and Dolores’s gallivanting today
felt like a very special gift from you.

T H A N K Y O U, L O R D ! ! !

© Claire Murray