Saint Patrick's Day
So yesterday was Saint
Patrick's Day. It's a big family holiday in Ireland. Genetically I
may not be Irish (I'm adopted), but as sure as you were born there is
a piece of my heart that is Irish. My adopted Granny was from
Ireland. She came from a little town called Dungarvin in between the
county Cork and Waterford. Actually the 17 of March was her
Birthday. She came over as a war bride from England where she was
working in a munitions factory and fell in love with a young Sapper
in the Army. They had known each other a week when he was called
away to duty. They married after world war 2 and moved to Toronto.
Growing up with Irish
family members means you have got to love the music. I don't know
who gets more excited when a reel comes on, my Father or myself. I
feel it in my chest, the deep base of the bodhran, it beats with my
heart. The flute trilling the notes adding a the high notes to the
medium range moans of the fiddle. Yes the fiddle. Because when you
are playing a reel it's a fiddle not a violin! Here is a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GjH-Kep2Ps
Some of the best
childhood memories are dancing with my father and mother in the
living room, arms straight at your sides so you wouldn't get caught
dancing (which is a big difference to Scottish Highland dancing where
your arms are up above your head).
The saddest part in all
of this is that she suffered from Schizophrenia and I wasn't able to
sit by her side and listen to her stories. I couldn't listen to her
speak in Gaelic a language that is quickly dying out. Even though I
didn't know her well, She did make a lasting impact on my life. And
today I am awesome for being at least a wee bit O'Irish
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