Summer Solstice 2020

God, it slipped past, without fanfare, but a few days ago it was that time of year again. Summer Solstice 2020. Incredible long day’s here in the Northern Hemisphere for the next few weeks. Long days to enjoy the amazing light that our sun provides us ceaselessly, freely and at this particular time of year warmly and comfortingly.

Normally I would be enjoying the extraordinary light on the West Coast of Ireland, but as all readers will know that 2020 is no normal year and much of what we would normally considered our usual habits, activities and past-times has been suspended.

LINK to Summer Solstice, facts and myths

I have not managed this year well. This Covid-19 lockdown was very difficult for many, me included. I struggled each day and (believe me) I was one of the few lucky ones, working in Pharma, I was able to travel to work (albeit, terrified at times that I was taking a serious risk against the express wishes of my family) on a fantastic Bio Pharma Stem Cell manufacturing project that, had this revolutionary treatment, been available a few years back it may have helped save the life and darkness of a good friend in my life, who ended his pain prematurely.

I’m not going to document or write a word on this Pandemic suffice to say that I fervently hope that this horrible time will be a seminal event for the whole world. As of today, 28th. June 2020 we have reported 10 million people infected and tragically close to 500K deaths (many alone and not able to hold the hands of those they loved). It is heartbreaking and the WHO who produce these figures estimate that they are 50% under reported.

There have been countless pages written of the bravery and commitment of our Health Care professionals and so many other countless people and professions in this extraordinary event and equally, many pages documenting the absolutely horrible and negative impacts. Again, messrs Google and Bing can help you here. What has been so uplifting is the humanity and decency that has come to the fore in helping our fellow man cope with the impacts of an unprecedented lockdown of society. The impact of this pandemic has been devastating on every facet of society at an individual and collective level. Here in Ireland this week, a fundraising event was televised to raise much needed funds to help all charities whose usual fundraising events have been devastated by this pandemic. It is really worth a visit to ‘RTE does Comic Relief’. One special moment that was so special was Hozier.

This significance of this powerful performance in the home of the GAA in Croke Park was not lost on me. Ireland’s greatest community and largely voluntary organisation is a testament to communities coming together for the greater good as was the case throughout this Pandemic. So many held out their hand to help.

The contradiction

Also out of this lockdown came the realisation that the horror of domestic abuse continues to be a hidden, behind closed doors nightmare predominately for women and children in our society. The talented singing women of Ireland came together for Safe Ireland. (Thank you Dolores). This is dedicated to the women in my life Mary, Elaine, Louise, Jessica, Helen, Kay and Helena. Powerful beyond words.

Kilkee

This weekend I start some much needed vacation. I need to find my peace after the distress of the past months. The Wild Atlantic Way and Kilkee are a special medicine for me. Easing of travel restrictions means I may get to visit this special space very soon.

History will judge us harshly; Black Lives Matter. Maya Angelou, What a life, Have a read here

Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise

I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Maya Angelou

The medicine of a smile

Oh and something came into my life on May Day 2020. Charlie Benson McKeating. This sometimes complicated, complex and painfully beautiful world works in mysterious ways. Readers, have a good, peaceful and healing summer.

Charlie joins this other bundle of energy Rory Benson Draper. Oh the smiles.