Country Cousins

 

Despite it being officially winter, I was up bright and early for a 5k walk — thankfully the morning decided to join me and show off a bit of brightness too! This wasn’t just any ordinary walk, though. It marked the 10-year anniversary for my cousin’s son, Adam Mangan, a much-loved young man who is deeply missed by all who knew him.

It brought me right back to the blog I wrote at the time of his passing,

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/3787687663741365658/434875840279726526

 and to the months that followed, when Janette organised a walk for me as part of my Operation Transformation journey. So of course, when she organised this special memorial walk, I had to return the favour — even if it meant crossing the border. Not a country border, mind you, but the one between Westmeath and Offaly!

When I arrived, there was a huge crowd gathered — family, friends, neighbours — all there to remember Adam and celebrate his life. It was lovely to catch up with cousins I hadn’t seen in ages. 

Then we set off, some running, some walking (you can guess which group I was in!).

Afterwards, as tradition demands, we gathered for a cup of tea and a scone, sharing stories and laughs, remembering old times, and making the usual promise not to leave it so long until we meet again.

We shall see. But today, we walked, we talked, we remembered — and that’s what really matters.

I left with tired legs but a full heart — proof that love, laughter, and remembrance make every step worthwhile