The Mulligan Speaks

[The following is a guest entry from Donna “The Mulligan” Damico, aka Charlie’s mother. The views expressed in this entry do not necessary reflect the views of The Snouts, though The Snouts are delighted and honored to have such a high profile and talented contributor in their midst.]

By The Mulligan

Last fall when I was missing Charlie and Rachel a lot, I felt comforted to know that Simon and their cousins and uncle would make the big trip to see them.  It seemed like too big a trip for me, in terms of time, money and general travel wherewithal.  Then last October I was sitting next to a total stranger at a small dinner party in Washington.  When she heard about the kids in Mongolia and my lack of plans to join my nieces, erstwhile brother-in-law and Simon, she looked at me and said, “Listen to me: on your death bed you will not remember what you got for your birthday or Christmas in 2006, but you will remember this trip with your family. . .  you’re going.”  The next day I emailed my niece, Meg and the plans began.

Many emails crisscrossed the country and the world as we pulled the plans together. I was filled with anxiety and angst, as I am not much of a traveler.  My friends supported and encouraged me throughout.  Finally it was the last day of work in my job as a psychotherapist in an oncology office.  One of my last patients of the day hugged me good by and said, “Go for me too!”  What more did I need?

The Mulligan in front of a mulligan hut aka: ger

Chinguun (Charlie’s best friend) and Charlie

Meg and Mulligan in the Lodge

Uncle Owen, Charlie, Rachel, The Mulligan, Meg, Byrdie, Si

The Mulligan and the boys

cousins: Meg, Charlie, Si, Byrdie

The flight to the lake

More flight

Bonfire on the lake

The Summer Solstice

A year ago I would never have thought this trip possible. I’m so grateful to the stranger at the dinner party, my boys, Rachel, Owen, Byrdie and Meg for making a dream vacation come true.  We made memories that will last a life time and beyond.