Hello, to my loved ones,
both near and far
When Irish Eyes are smiling...Some things the heart remembers best .
I am lucky to be Irish, and to have been raised by an Irish immigrant who instilled in me a love for her homeland and heritage. My childhood was filled with the influences of listening to a constant Irish brogue, Irish music and even sometimes a step dance or two. Although I was not able to "hop the pond" like many of my first cousins often did during the summers, my attachment to family and my heritage is no less because of it.I woke up late this morning, because I was enjoying a dream about visiting Ireland. This vivid dream was based on memories that I have from spending five weeks at my grandmother's cottage when I was nine. Although I have never returned, my memories are as colorful and clear in my dreams now, as they were when I was nine.As an adult, I have been able to revisit these stories each year with my students. As the Religion teacher in a Catholic Elementary school for the last 11 years I couldn't even imagine letting St. Patrick's Day go by unannounced. Usually, my middle school students copy down the words to the song "O Danny Boy" in their Religion notebooks. We discuss the meaning of "immortal souls" . We also discuss the links between generations in families and how love influences this. Memories often enhance these familial links. Then, after listening to "O Danny Boy", I tell them a true story.I had been teaching Religion to fidgety, middle school students for a few years, with the St. Patrick's Day routine always the same: notes, music... the bell rings.....student's gone. I wasn't sure I was making any in roads with their minds or souls, considering I was competing with their ipod music, and most were indifferent to an immigrant's plight anyway. But the young teacher across the hall, was from Australia and her unique accent did interest them. One Easter break, she and another teacher decided to take a fly/drive vacation to Ireland. She asked me if I wanted anything from her trip. I said 'no', but if she happened to go to a certain Irish village, named Clifden, would she consider visiting my grandmother's cemetery as it was less than a mile out of the town. I told her of an Aunt that was now widowed and lived next door to Granny's cottage, that I had visited as a child. And I gave her my grandfather's name, my mother's maiden name, my name and my aunt's name.The teachers found their way to the ancient village town. The young, Australian teacher taught across the hall from me in school, and often heard my Irish lessons. So, they decided to see if they could find the cemetery. Elsje later told me, that when she found the gravesite of both my grandparents, and other family members, the words to "O Danny Boy" came 'to life' for her. She now felt a new connection to her own family, in a spiritual way. For without faith, what is there to hope for? They said an "Ave" for me at Granny's grave and continued on the road to her now vacant cottage. Then, they went to next house, was where my Aunt still lived. They were welcomed - unannounced- and shared tea and lunch with my Aunt Chrissy, whom I had only seen twice in my lifetime. May God rest her soul, as she is now buried in the same cemetery.I later shared this new episode with the next class of St. Patrick's day students. And I discovered the following additional story. Although it is not mine to share, I think it reflects many of the storytelling qualities I relish. Although this particular song, may be true to another family, the sadness of separation is deeply felt in the lyrics. The Circle of life is there. The belief that we will be together again, in faith, is there.But most of all, to me, the song reflects familial love, and how that bond can not be broken, not even in death. I feel that deeply. And am grateful for the faith instilled in me by my family. And I hope I have witnessed that same faith to my family. And with all of that, and a wish for eternal life: I wish all of you a Happy St. Patrick's Day, 2010.Love, Smileyblueyes
Please honor me and those who went before me, by listening to this:
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