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Remembering St. Patrick...

3/16/2017

14 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
PictureGlendalough in Ireland

Most of us are the offspring of travelers by sea. My ancestors came from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. They were farmers and miners, carpenters and fishermen. They were poor, uneducated, and desperately in need. Some did not survive the seas.

They, and many others, risked their lives for a dream – of simple things like food to eat, a place to live, a way to provide for their families. Hunger drove them to these shores. Faith provided the strength for them to reach.

I remember my ancestors today, on this St. Patrick’s Day. I think of the battles, the invasions, the revolts that took their lives but ultimately gave me mine. I think about the Butters who married an O’Brien and about a Taylor who chose a Grimes for his bride. Was it for love that they bridged the divide? Were they scrutinized, marginalized, mistrusted because they stepped into the other side?

I need to know more about my ancestors, for it seems they are alive in the events of today. For them and for so many others, a poem was crafted. If only we could hear the bagpipes sing, for I bow in respect for all of these:

                   “Give me your tired, your poor,
       Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
          The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
      Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
                I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”


​

Picture
St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC

14 Comments
D.L. Finn
3/17/2017 01:53:25

I agree it is important to know our history. I have been researching my own family tree and I have learned a lot about where I came from. Brings some clarity on where we are now, true. Great words you quoted. Happy St. Patty's day.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/17/2017 11:58:31

Thanks so much, D. L. Happy St. Patty's day to you as well!

Reply
Jan Sikes link
3/17/2017 07:09:32

Beautiful post, Gwen. I too have Irish, Scottish and English ancestry as well as American Indian and I have every intention to visit Ireland and Scotland within the next three years.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/17/2017 12:00:44

Thank you, Jan. There are rumors that there may be American Indian in my family tree as well. I hope you travel to Ireland and Scotland. I loved my brief visit to Ireland, but I've yet to venture to Scotland.

Reply
John Fioravanti
3/17/2017 07:59:39

How very fitting for this St. Patrick's Day post, Gwen! Besides my Italian ancestry, I can claim Irish blood from my mother, Jean Ryan - daughter of Jane Freeman. The Freemans hailed from County Cork and they came to Canada looking to escape their hunger. We are all descendants of immigrants and their stories are important!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/17/2017 12:02:51

You are so right, John. Their stories are so important...and we tend to forget why they traveled to the New World. Thank you for your insights, John. Happy Patty Day to you!

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Davy D link
3/17/2017 09:02:05

Happy St. Patricks Day Gwen. Now I know why our paths crossed, it was our kindred Celtic spirits.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/17/2017 12:05:15

Thank you, Davy. Yes, kindred Celtic spirits and your amazing poetry. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Reply
Mae Clair link
3/17/2017 11:57:53

A great post today, Gwen! My ancestors too crossed the sea, although they came from England, Germany and Italy. I think family history is so important. I've become the custodian of that in my family and am fortunate to have documents that trace several branches of lineage back to the early 1700s. It's amazing when we stop to think of all our ancestors endured and when we can walk the same pathways they did.
Happy St. Patrick's Day, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/17/2017 13:20:06

Thank you, Mae. Walking through ruins in Italy (and prior to that Ireland) prompted a lot of thought about those who preceded us. It's a good day to pause and consider... Happy St. Patrick's Day, Mai!

Reply
John Howell link
3/17/2017 12:09:44

Lovely photo, Gwen. I used to love going into the city for St Patrick's day. It was always a treat. Thanks for the memory.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/17/2017 13:22:06

Thank you, John. I've only gone once, but loved the music and good cheer. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Reply
Susan T
3/18/2017 05:49:01

Thank you for the piece posted today. We are here because so many gave their lives for their dreams and survival. I do not take it for grated.

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/18/2017 06:55:53

Thank you, Susan. Like you, I don't take it for granted. On days like this, I feel a deep respect for their realized or unrealized dreams. :)

Reply

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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