Ealaíona Maisiúla & Stair

Since I moved to Ireland in 1996, I only see my sister (there is just two of us) once or twice a year. Mostly I see her when I go back to the US to visit my family. Her visits to Ireland are few and far between - the expense, the lack of time off, etc. In over 25 years, Abby has visited only four times. 

In spring 2002, Abby came for a visit with my cousin and her husband. We were still living in Dublin, on Philipsburgh Avenue in Marino. My daughter Máiréad was a toddler. My sister and I went shopping one day - she is extremely fashionable and is always wearing the best accessories. I don’t remember where else we went but I know we went to Arnotts. Abby wanted to buy something in Dublin to wear back home that would be a little different. I came across a denim dress in Benetton - a shirtwaist style in dark blue. I was still self-conscious of my body after the birth of my daughter but this fit like a dream from the start. It was a little pricey for my budget at the time but Abby insisted that I get it. 

I wore it on the first day of my new job that October, the start of my new life working in the nonprofit sector; I wore it in family photographs taken in 2013; I wore it at the junior infants disco in 2016 with my son. I’ve worn it so many times, in so many ways, I’ve lost count.

I always feel a million dollars in it. It’s in my wardrobe now. I think of Abby every time I wear it. Can’t wait to see her in July.