… Una gran aventura estaba a punto de empezar.
Irene, our eldest daughter, was about to be born.
And we were about to become parents.
I remember that night fondly: the mix of emotions and expectations I felt while I strolled up and down the corridors of Rotunda, navigating contractions. I was incredibly lucky with the two midwives I got assigned; they were both Spanish (and both lovely), making me feel at home.
And just when I thought I wouldn´t be able to stand it any longer, Irene was born, shortly after midnight. Exhaustion, happiness, and a tea with toast that tasted like heaven to me (this is customary here in Ireland, tea and toast to recover after childbirth - surreal but really effective).
Our great adventure had just begun. A family. A new little person to love and take care of.
We had no idea what the future would bring, but regardless of that, we were willing to play our role as parents the best we could, and that´s what we did. And that´s what we´re still doing, with her and her sisters—making loads of mistakes, of course, and learning as much as they do, if not more. Your children are the best teachers you can ever get.
Eighteen years later, Irene has become an extraordinary young adult I´m immensely proud of: she´s kind, loving, funny, intelligent, responsible and much much more. Now it´s time for her to begin to let go of our hand and make some decisions by herself, starting with her choice of university and college degree. I´m entirely convinced that, whatever she chooses to do in life, she will be very successful.
Happy birthday, Irene; we love you loads, and we´re always going to be here to support you along the way. Big hug.