3.16.2010

Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádrai

"Nil aon tintean mar do thintean fein."
There's no fireside like your own fireside.

Personally, St. Patrick's Day is magic.


"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time -- a day to begin transforming
winter's
dreams into summer's magic."~~By Adrienne Cook.

and it's a day of most cherished of memories


Dublin's Lord Mayor (& wife) presenting my father (mom by his side) as the
director of the Snohomish High School marching band with the first place
award for best overall performance - Dublin's Patrick's Day Parade 1996.

but sadly on this day my Scottish family
buries my dear mother-in-law
who passed away last week
after her two month battle with cancer.



Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw his face, I heard his call,
I took his hand and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
to love, to laugh, to work or play;
tasks left undone may stay that way
and if my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
ah yes, these things I too shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savored much;
good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

Dearest Ethel -
May your glass ner'er be empty,
and your tea pot ner'er be cold.

May our memories sustain us here on earth
until we meet again,

in the highlands of heaven.

{go forth and live responsibly}
live * love * laugh
Sláinte

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photo credits;steelguitarforum.com; eyefetch.com; travelpod.com; ireland-fun-facts.com

46 comments:

Jane said...

oh dear you are having a lot of sadness in the last few months. It always seems to be that way unfortunately. A void indeed.

What a lovely tribute to your MIL though.

Even though St Patricks Day is mostly about drinking green beer in Australia, it is still nice to think of (many of our) ancestors. What we would be withinout the Irish? xoxo

A 2 Z said...

Bonjour Deb,

My condoléances. So much sorrow lately for the both of us. Blogging is good therapy and a nice place to pay a tribute to our loved ones. I can certainly feel St.Patrick's Day magic here at your blog. Take care.

Anne-Marie

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Dearest Deb,
Very sorry to read of your family's loss. So much tragedy in such a short period of time, and I do hope that St. Patrick's Day brings happier days to you and yours.
Bisous,
Melissa

Jg. for FatScribe said...

Please send along condolences to your husband and his family over in Scotland (and to his loved ones stateside as well) for your loss. Your kids have been blessed to have such amazing grandparents in your mom and in Ethel.

I loved the photos above also highlighting your mom and dad. What you wrote is true, Deb:

"There's no fireside like your own fireside."

May all of your family be around your own hearth soon.

pve design said...

My sympathies to you and your family.
Somehow, I feel such peace from your post, and all the green St.Paddy's day images. May the road rise to greet you with a rainbow today.

Thanks for your warm wishes today. You are truly one special lady.
pve

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dearest Deb
Once again I am so sorry to hear your family has suffered the loss of a dear mother.. What beautiful words you have given us to farewell your loved one.. and I can't see or hear bagpipes without crying.. we had them at both my mother's and father's funeral.. it just seems right doesn't it!

I hope this St Patrick's day brings you a bit of cheer and sweet memories of your mum... Take care dear Deb.. xxx Julie

Beadboard UpCountry said...

Dear Deb, Sorry to hear about your family's loss on this important day.Here's a little saying that might cheer you up:"May you be in heaven an hour before the Devil knows you're dead!" I'm sure she got there well ahead of time.....Hope you have a good day any way. Slainte. Maryanne Kathryn Flaherty xo

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

My dear friend, Deb,
It is such a sad time for you and Graham, as the loss of our parents is something that we dread, all of our lives.I know how you are feeling as we have lost both sets of parents. At least you have got each other and both know exactly how each of you are feeling.
Well, we don't really make a big thing about St. Patrick's Day, here in the U.K., unless you're Irish, of course !! It is such a beautiful country, isn't it ? I love the photograph of your mum and dad receiving their trophy ! A wonderful memory.
Wishing you lots of love, Deb and am thinking of you and Graham. XXXX

A Perfect Gray said...

peace to you and your family. lovely post and tribute. our thoughts are with you all...

hello gorgeous said...

I'm sorry to hear you've suffered the loss of another family member. I wish you peace during these times.

I was at a memorial service over the weekend and the moment the bagpipes started I lost it. The sounde expresses so much more than words.

On a lighter note, I love that your dad was marching band director. My daughter's H. S. marching band played all over the world and had hoped to come to Ireland but they went to London instead.

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

So sorry for your loss Deb. Such a beautiful tribute today. XO

Barbara said...

What a lovely tribute to your dear mother-in-law. I am so sorry for your loss; please pass on my condolences to your husband and your entire family.
May this St. Patrick's Day bring back many happy memories shared with this lovely woman.
Barbara XXOO

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Deb. This was such a beautiful post and tribute. I'm thinking of you and send you a big hug. xoxo, Ally

Pigtown*Design said...

Oh, Deb... I am so sorry to hear the news of your mother-in-law. I know it's been a tough year for you all, and hopefully better days are ahead.

Big hugs.

The Style Mansion said...

Sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your Mother-In-Law is beautiful

SpryOnTheWall said...

What a lovely post. I'm so sorry and I certainly am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs your way, you are so kind and thoughtful and just a great all around gal!
xo Jenny

annechovie said...

Deb, I am SO sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's passing! What a beautiful post in her honor. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! xo

Anonymous said...

sweet deb,
another loss. oh let me take some of this sadness away. put it in a box and fedex to me.
sending you a giant hug where i let go last.
you're in my heart.
love,
katie

Averill said...

I'm so sorry Deb about your MIL. My thoughts are with you and your family.

*Chic Provence* said...

Dear Deb your post has brought tears welling up, first for the beauty of the Gaelic countryside, then of course for the sad loss for you and your family. My deepest condolences.

The poems are lovely!

Chin to the wind, my dear!

Kit

James said...

So sorry for your loss. Your post was a wonderful tribute.

Unknown said...

What an adorable post mom!! Good work!! Nice way to remember Ethel. She touched so many people and I'm thinking a lot of her today.
LOVE YOU!

Duchess of Tea said...

Deb darling, I am so sorry for your loss. The farewell poem is so beautifully written. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family.

Love & Hugs
Duchess

lisa golightly said...

Deb,
So sad to hear of your loss. What a beautiful and sweet post. May you and your husband completely experience the love and thoughts that surround you right now.
hugs,
lisa

Janet said...

Beautiful, beautiful post. Thinking of you.

xoxo,
Janet

BonjourRomance said...

So sorry to hear of your loss Deb, but what a wonderful tribute you have given to your MIL. That poem is so heartwarming. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this time.
Take care,
Mimi

Alicia said...

Sorry to hear about your MIL. Pass on to your hubby my condolenscences. I raise my Guinness to her.
Yup Im finally able to blog, heck breathe again. The big boss gave me another body so yee haa!!!
Hang in there!!!
Alicia

bunny, The Paris House said...

Dear Deb, your tribute to your mother-in-law is beautiful. I am so sorry you and your family are gong through these sad times. My prayers are with you.
xoxo
Bunny

Renae Moore said...

Deb,
What a lovely tribute to your mother-in-law. I love the poem and celebration of life.
Blessings to you as you get through this time.

A Refocused Life said...

Deb,

What a wonderful honor to your mother-in-law.

Sorry for your loss and the difficult days you have faced. Sending blessing, strength, and comfort to you and your family.
Rita

Anonymous said...

Deb daaaaahlng,
It makes me sad when I think about how much loss you've had to deal with in such a short time. Keep up your good spirits daaaahling. Good things will be coming your way, I just feel it in my bones!
*kisses* HH

Fifi Flowers said...

Sorry to read of your loss. What a lovely post for her!

Brabourne Farm said...

Deb,

I'm so sorry that there is more sadness in your life. This is such a lovely tribute to Ethel. I'm thinking of you and your husband. Leigh

DesignTies said...

I'm so very sorry to hear of your family's loss, Deb. Sad times indeed. This post though... what a lovely way to commemorate your MiL; sharing your admiration and love for her provides us a wee hint of how special she was to those who loved her.
Thank your for you comment on my Friday Night post.
Take good care...
Victoria

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

OH lady. My goodness. You deserve some awfully good times to head your way. I am so sorry for your family's loss and my prayer will be with you all!

A 2 Z said...

Bonsoir Deb,

Thanks for visiting me today. I was feeling blue and your comment picked me up. Much appreciation!

Anne-Marie

Chicago Chic said...

This is so touching. What a significant day St. Patrick's Day is for you and your family. So many difficulties but wishing you the strength to go on and to always celebrate her and her beautiful life. The photo of Dublin's Patrick's Day Parade 1996 is so special and what a wonderful memory.

Christy said...

Oh Deb I'm so sorry to hear this...what a sad year for you. At least now she's in heaven and out of pain...I hope the rest of your year is much better, and full of good news, laughter and love. I'm sending you a big hug through my tears right now! xoxox

AJ at OFLBlog said...

A beautiful and touching tribute - much strength and peace to You and Yours! oxoxo AJ

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

So sorry that you and your family had to go though this very difficult time.Very often we find ourselves having to carry painful losses...My heart goes out to you.I hope that the rest of this Spring and upcoming Summer will bring peace and joy and light into your life.

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Victoria xxx

Francine Gardner said...

Dear Deb, I am so very sad for you and your husband. My prayers are for you both and for your mothers. God gives us this magical gift of life which we fill with love, passion and loss. We do know that loss is part of the journey and must endure the pain and sorrow and hope that somehow we have not lost our loved one but keep them alive in our heart. I send you all the compassion, strength and energy and love...Francine

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

O sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your dear mother-in-law. You've experienced so much loss in the last year, my heart just aches for you. I've been wondering too about your big life decision you've been pondering. Sending virtual hugs your way. XOXO - M

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