@rikkes I went through the same dilemma and emotions, Rikke. Usually one side of the family will be jumping up and down with excitement but the other will be sad. I really believe you have to go what you think is best for you, your husband and kids.
@rikkes...That is exactly what we are encountering with my family. My sister has been very upset about the move and has said that we should be thinking about the family. My response is that we are - my husband, myself and my kids. A lot has changed in the US over the past 20 years, and the viewpoints of my husband and I align more with Ireland and Europe in general. For us, we are making this move for our children. While there will always be pros and cons wherever you go, we think that Ireland will be better for us overall - if anything, we are looking forward to the people, culture, the adventure of it all.
We had another discussion with my parents a few weeks ago about the move, and my father said that he believes we will miss the American things, like freedom and liberty. My husband and I just stared at each other - you would think we told them we were moving to North Korea. Aside from myself, my family has never travelled outside of the US, so I think for them it is unfamiliar.
Any way, it's impossible to make everyone happy. Just have to do what's best for your family and make the jump. Which we are and couldn't be happier about it.
I thought of another worry - well more just question. I have celiac so I am always on the lookout for good gluten-free/wheat-free products. I am slightly concerned I may not be able to find as many items as I am able to here in the States. Are gluten-free items mostly available at the larger grocers like Tesco, or are there other specialty stores that carry them?
Typically the larger grocers increase the prices a lot, so I tend to order my gluten-free items from Trader Joes or World Market. Just hoping to find some good alternatives or even local bakeries that specialize in gluten-free products.
Hi Kate @katemreagan
I don't know a lot about gluten-free but I don't think you will have many problems. Here is a link to get you started http://www.glutenfreedublin.com
All the major grocery stores will have options for you. And I think you will find a decent selection of restaurants around the country to choose from too.
@katemreagan re: your other comment... It is totally understandable that family have such a hard time when somebody moves away to some where so far away. They are bound to feel hurt. However you have to do what's best for you. And if it doesn't work out to be best you can always move back. I think you might even find that you have more liberty and freedom in Ireland.
Liam, thank you for the link! I will definitely take a look at the site for gluten free food.
You won't have a problem with food options over here, 60 households in our townland and I know 3 of them have at least 2 folk with gluten free diets. The main supermarkets have a GF section and many products are marked even in Aldi and Lidl
see also https://www.coeliac-ireland.com/
Thank you Tony! That site has some great info.
Does anyone worry about emergencies? I'm very close to my family, but I don't worry about this too much. I tend to stay level-headed and not panic in emergency situations, and know I could probably book a flight and be home the next day. My wife, however, not so much. This is her biggest concern, that magically all the planes will stop flying to US on the day something bad happens(if it does). Anyone have any ideas or experiences that I can use to ease her mind?
Thanks!
I understand how being so far away can be worrying, but we have an example of that in my family. My former father-in-law lives in Wales and our daughters are his only grandchildren. If they had to, they could get on a flight to the UK fairly quickly, but since he is going on 90 they used to worry more when they didn't speak often. Now, he arranges an hour every weekend to Skype with the older one, and it has really relieved a lot of his anxiety. Before he was worried that he would become seriously ill and not have an opportunity to see or talk with his granddaughters. Speaking with at least one of them every week, even when they don't have much to say, has eased his mind considerably. And if something serious did happen, they are a few hours' flight away. I'm not sure that will help, but I do know he worries a lot less with regular, loving contact and a sense that he knows what's going on in their lives.