Second Day Groupnos

Today was a hard day. Early this morning I received bad news from home that a family member was gone. Unfortunately that was the extent of info I received before heading into Groupnos, and I could not access WiFi all morning (though I tried).  So I thought maybe it’s not as bad as I imagine if no one has gotten a hold of me. Thus, I decided to buck up and move forward with our last work day for the week. We went through a friendly pitch at  a nearby company that Enda had setup prior to our arrival. This presentation was also the fruit of our efforts from the previous day. The presentation was good, we received more feedback and had some more rearranging/ editing to do.

After the pitch, I had a notification on my phone from Facebook from one of my friends. She was, “sad to learn about such tragic news.” After reading this, I was super worried about what it could be. Then I found a family member who was awake back home. I found out one of my family members had passed away. Very unexpected he was young, full of life, and such a jokester. I still can’t believe it.

Afterward, I tried to keep composure but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I went to the bathroom and could not control the waves of sadness and tears falling-I felt like I was going to faint. I could not breathe, think, or speak. I just felt pain, like everything was coming undone inside me.

Thankfully my group members took care of me. They got me back to UCDublin and made sure I was okay. It was a great kindness and compassion I am grateful for-having just met them and being in foreign lands. Enda was the most understanding. He excused me immediately and paid for the cab back to UCD. I asked Scott to carry on for me and get the job done nonetheless. I would be fine. (Which I would be after collecting myself and calling home)

It was an unforeseen tragedy, that no one can make sense of. To get through that and have the support and condolences of our Ireland group, really gave me strength; to not feel alone. Today they became a family to me, my group a team.  I experienced so much in one day. Most of all the compassion of others (particularly from Mani, Scott, and Enda). In the professional atmosphere, as leaders we all did our best to handle the situation. It’s still forever changed my life, and a great heartbreak to bear. Ireland gave me some salvation and a place to be strong.