My reasons for leaving Europe

My name is Sorcha Donnelly,
I live in Dublin, Ireland with my parents on the rocky coast. There is green land everywhere and it is so beautiful to look at. The house i have grown up in is not small but not to big either, it is what you would call...cozy. Only a couple of miles away from friends i would climb the rocks and walk to their homes and we would all go running around to play.

I have lived with my family now for 20 years. I have taught my self how to read and write. My parents are loving people, they take anyone under their wings if they need help or somewhere to live. We grow plants and potatoes for money to live and sell them to our near by neighbors...sometimes we even go to the market which is a 3 hour walk; but it is worth the pain and trouble to make our living and to help others live their lives as well. I sew things, clothes and blankets mainly but it depends on what people want.

I work with an old Friend of mine, his name is Ronan O' Cuinn. a lovely man he is, kind, generous, and fun to work with. He owns a little store called Dolly. It is a sewing shop that caters to everyone. We tend to get rich peoples clothing and drapes. It is a hard job when it come down to the deadline. The uppidy class tends to want things done the next day...that is hardly enough time to do a dress. I think i am ready to get out of here.

Three weeks now gone...

Potatoes are running low. the Famine is here, I thought it would not reach our county. I was wrong. People are dying on the streets, in their homes, everywhere. It is sad, and frightening. my mother has fallen ill, and yet my father the next day. having worked in the Fields so long they have come into contact with the poisoned potatoes. I have kept my self away from the gardens that are home to the deadly things and have stayed to take care of my family.

Two weeks have passed and so has my parents. Ronan had sent me a letter a day ago that says that he is going to America and wants me to come with him. He will be leaving in three days and I will meet him at the boat. A young wealthy woman of thirty five has given him money for himself and a friend.

I have buried my dead, lost weight from my body and feal ill from hunger. I must leave now and say my goodbyes, I will go to Ronan and America to find a better life.