In November 2001, I came to New York, where my three sisters, Eveleen, Annie and Imelda, were. I started working as a waitress in Manhattan, and 18 years later, I’m still working for the same company but in a different capacity. I’m now part of the bookkeeping team that manages ten restaurants.

Being in New York with my three sisters is great. We chat daily and meet up often, and it’s lovely to see all our kids growing up together. It’s a nice security blanket to have family here.

If my sisters weren’t here, I’m not sure if I would still be here as we have a great relationship. Three years ago, our sister Annie and her family moved home. We were gutted. It was like a part of the puzzle was missing, but they were well settled at home, and of course, my mother was delighted to have one of her daughters home.

We live in a neighbourhood called Woodlawn. It’s just 30 mins on the train from the city. Woodlawn has a large Irish community with Irish bars, restaurants and delis supplying all Irish food papers. It’s very much a home away from home. We never forget our Irish roots and go to many Irish fairs and festivals, with St Patrick’s day being the biggest. Gaelic Park was always the go-to place on a Sunday to meet people and socialize.

I work hard and put in long hours, but the lifestyle is good. I have travelled all around the US, visiting 30 states. Another plus is that we are guaranteed the weather for the four seasons, Summer and Fall being my favourites.

I often think about returning home. It’s such a hard decision to make. My parents are elderly, and I worry about them and miss all my family and friends. We visit once a year, but it’s never enough time to meet up with everyone, and we miss family occasions and milestones.

My partner Richie is from Kilkenny (to my mother’s delight, as she is a Kilkenny woman). He has been here for over 30 years – longer than in Ireland! We have a 4-year-old boy named Jake, the light of our lives!

I recently became a US citizen, which was a proud day. I am relieved to be a citizen, especially in these trying times that we are living in. Living here for 18 years, this country has a special place in my heart, and as they say, home is where the heart is”.