Whenever St. Pat's Day comes around I'm reminded of two things. One, my father (who got a mention here on Father's Day) because his name was Patrick. And my nanny.
I haven't written about my nanny (as opposed to my Nanny Nellie who was my father's mother, and yes, her name was always "Nanny Nellie.") though and this seems a good time to write a bit. Nanny was my mother's mother and she lived with us from the time Daddy died in 1979 until she needed the more structured care of a nursing home in February of 1991.
Now Nanny wasn't born in March (that was Nanny Nellie on March 8th) nor was she really all that Irish, though given my family tree, having a few Irishmen on it even before she married one in the 30s was probably a certainty. But she was Catholic with a damn near direct line to God and fond of whiskey sours, not to mention having married the aforementioned Irishman, my grandfather, so naturally St. Patrick's Day was one of her favorite holidays. I can still hear her reciting some of her favorite toasts, usually on St. Patrick's Day but not always.
And so, in memory of my Nanny, a bit of St. Patrick's Day silliness.
'Tis St. Patrick's Day, or so I hear
I've had little sleep but no green beer.
Still, I'd like to share a saying or two,
That my nanny told me now I can tell you.
May those who love us, love us
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping.
May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head always be strong.
And may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead!
I can remember Nanny repeating this philosophy often as she got older:
IRISH PHILOSOPHY
There are only two things to worry about, either you are well or you are sick.If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about!
If you are sick, there are two things to worry about, either you will get well or you will die.
If you get well, then there is nothing to worry about!
If you die, there are two things to worry about, either you will go to heaven or hell.
If you go to heaven, then there is nothing to worry about!
But if you go to hell you'll be so damn busy shaking hands with your friends you won't have time to worry!
And now, for some of the toasts I remember! This seems especially appropriate on a day known for drinking great quantities of green beer. Perhaps you can use one today. If you do, think of Nanny and think of me!
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| Happy St. Patty's Day! |
May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.
May misfortune follow you the rest of your life but never catch up!
A toast to your coffin.
May it be made of 100 year old oak,
And may we plant the tree together, tomorrow.
And of course, this is perhaps the best known Irish Blessing, as well as my favorite, so in closing:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May the good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
