A love letter to Ireland
I just returned from one of the most wondrous God Box journeys yet. This month I performed my one woman show The God Box, A Daughter’s Story in Ireland, at theaters in Limerick and Dun Laoghaire just outside Dublin city. Onstage I always learn something new, whether in small US towns, big cities or other countries. And the Irish people were the best of teachers. In the show, I am as fully open as I can be about what it means to love parents with all your heart and then lose a part of yourself when they die. Audiences react in their own unique ways. Some audiences delight me with their hearty laughter at the happiest nostalgic moments, others become quite emotional, and many tell me they look deeply into themselves. Do I love my mother that much? What would I change if I could? Can I face the grief that won’t let go?
In Ireland, I could feel the ‘motherlove’ as delicious and natural as the fresh Irish air. It’s a country of family, an island that feels connected to every neighbor. And Ireland is also a country that knows deep grief and loss. They were what I call a ‘pin drop crowd’ feeling each beat with me through to the curtain call. That’s why it was fitting that The God Box Project paid it forward to this beautiful homeland of mine, devoting all proceeds to support the voluntary efforts of the Irish Hospice Foundation. In this photo, I’m shoulder to shoulder with my new friend Sharon Foley, CEO of the Irish Hospice Foundation whose mission is to strive for best of care at the end of life, for all. My hope is that I can help raise awareness and support in the months to come.
Sharon kindly wrote, “Mary Lou eloquently portrays the life and death of her beloved parents in this powerful production that will pull on your heartstrings. We are proud and delighted to have the support of The God Box Project.” I couldn’t be more grateful to bring my journey of the heart to the country with such a big one.
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