On this day...

My Grandpa and me...

It was my fourteenth St. Patrick’s Day and although early, the morning was a flurry of activity when the phone on the corner slab interrupted the schedule. My grandpa had had a heart attack. There was that moment in time when no one was certain of what to do, so we stood glancing at each other in the hallway; the news reverberating in our head.


My brother Tom corralled my sister and me as we continued to get ready for school. However, as we stepped on the bus, he came rushing from the garage to gather us and to deliver the news; my grandpa had died.

My mom was close to her parents and fond memories took hold and never let go. He and my grandma; lived on a vast farm with a multitude of animals and infinite fields. The old brick farm house was situated on top of a hill which availed itself to a fantastic sledding arena as long as you dodged the barb wire fences and the rickety mail box post and oh yeah, watch out for the creek; an abundance of sledding excursions were ruined there!

I depleted my childhood at my grandparent’s farm riding on tractors, playing in the barns, swinging on the rope in the hay loft and of course picking up buckeyes. I’d go for walks with my grandpa through the meadows as his words relayed his favorite flower; the Queen Anne’s lace only as I plucked one and passed it to him.

Our time was exceptional as he was an extraordinary man. In addition to the farm he worked for the railroad and his easy joyous attitude on life amused grandkids galore. A white and coffee basset hound was his constant companion and the mysterious all black cat was his lap cohort. He permitted Yippy and Perfect to lick his supper dishes sparkling and teased the tableware no longer needed washing as they had been properly cleaned.

I approach this St. Patrick’s Day, as I do each- with thoughtfulness, reflection and remembrance of my grandpa. I see his smile, I hear his words, I feel his touch and recognize that on a given day, we will be reunited.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

...May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Happy St. Patty's Day!