The Eve of a Great Day

Day 94:

You know Conor, the Irish are a great many things to a great many people in this country. It's the Irish who in large part turned the tide of American Civil War. It's the Irish who made up the majority of the established police and fire brigades in the major metropolitan cities after the war.

Despite that, at one time the Irish were viewed as the scourge of the United States; fleeing their small Atlantic island by the thousand in hopes of finding a better, more hospitable place to live and work. They were considered to be the paupers of the free world, consuming the low wage jobs as quickly as they could simply to sustain themselves and their families.

Enduring through those tough times was born a quality of people unlike any other. And where it was once shameful curse to carry with you a surname beginning in 'O' or 'Mc' or so many other of the old Gaelic names, it's now a badge of honor and raging pride. My mother's mother, your Great Grandmother, was a Gallagher. Her Mother was a Shaw. My Father's mother was a McGraw. Mommy's natural surname is Dougherty. All quite Irish to say the least. But fewer and fewer Americans are of pure Irish heritage, as are most people in America. The Melting Pot, indeed. Still, my Grandmother would never let us forget where our family comes from. In fact, everything in her cozy row-house just outside Philadelphia was green, white, and orange. From the green carpet to the orange table settings to the white marble coffee and end tables, my Mom-Mom was "Erín go Bragh!" to the end! And given your name and the story behind it, I want you to one day feel that same pride, Son. The same pride that I feel for the heritage I so identify with.

It's important to love your country, Conor. In fact I believe it's one of the most important things in your life; knowing the nation that affords you the opportunity to live the way you do. And to be absolutely sure there is no country in the World greater than the United States, Son, but much of the blood in your veins is Irish blood, Boy'O. And our family has seen everything from noble farmers to Congressional Medal of Honor winners like Francis Xavier McGraw. Be proud, Conor an Chroí Lion...

Tomorrow is St Patrick's Day. A day to celebrate Irish heritage. A day to remember who we are. A day to share a few pints, sing a few songs, and smile as only the Irish can. When Irish Eyes are Smiling (my Grandmother's favorite song, just before "Danny Boy"), we're all a bit better, aren't we?

I love you, Conor Daniel. Erin go Bragh, Boy 'O! Slaínte!!!
-Dad