Page 51 - IFAFA ebook v4

18.

Geraldine Cooney

In the years I have spent as a Foreign Affairs spouse, I’ve been to

more places, and known more extraordinary people than I ever

would have dreamed possible. That is a reality of my life married to

an officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs. It has been an

exotic assortment, without a doubt. At the same time, I've had more

careers cut short, and left behind friendships which have at times

left me heartbroken. I raised my family on the move, helping my

children change languages, schools, homes, and friends, sharing a

wealth of experiences both wonderfully rich and painful. When we

talk together as a family, of our many moving life experiences I am

struck by how much this has contributed to make them the

wonderful people they are today.

IFAFA has played a large part in life as part of DFA. The support of

other IFAFA spouses and partners on posting and at home, the

children’s’ posting packs, summer treasure hunt and barbeque, and

especially the Christmas party were highlights, where our children

could all meet and feel a shared sense of the moving life we all

lived. I thank each IFAFA member who has given so much support

and kindness to me and my family over the years. From the

beginning, I was committed to the work of IFAFA and decided to be

involved. I served on the committee, represented IFAFA at EUFASA

meetings, working to improve conditions for spouses, partners and

families. We are unquestionably better off than we were 40 years

ago but there is more to do. I feel I contributed significantly to the

work of the Department over the years, particularly when we were

abroad on posting, and it is surely an injustice that a spouse can

end up with no State pension entitlement after decades of unpaid

service to the State.

My time as a DFA spouse is over and I am starting the next phase of

my life with energy and enthusiasm in my work as a

psychotherapist. I feel a pride and affection for my role as a

Foreign Affairs spouse, and member of IFAFA. My experiences

abroad have prepared me well for the new multi-cultural Ireland

unfolding before us, and the career I am pursuing now, in the

Ireland of today.

Thank you IFAFA and DFA for all you have given me in my life.

42