Kiss Me I’m Irish

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and it is a day when we all have a little Irish in us.  What makes me wonder is...How much??  My Great-Great-Great Grandfather was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1802 and he died in Ferryland, Newfoundland in 1896.  Every generation from there on was born in Newfoundland except for me... I was born in Ontario.  I am Canadian ... with some Irish parts. 

I find it odd that when new immigrants come to Canada and still claim a connection to their country of origin, we feel slighted.  As though, if they wanted to come to Canada so badly, why do they not consider themselves, and their children, Canadian?   There is over 200 years since my ancestors came from Ireland but if someone asks me what I am... I will say, with pride, my family is from Ireland. 

So, as I set out on my journey to reclaim my roots, I think of the places where my family originated.  I think about my Great-Great-Great Grandfather and what he must off gone through when he got on a ship and sailed across the Atlantic to Newfoundland.  He probably had very little and had to start a new life from scratch.  My journey to Newfoundland will be a lot easier.  I will have a job, a home and family there to support me in my decision.  Practically a breeze compared to what he went through, but emotionally I think I can connect with him.  I am leaving everything I know behind to start a new life and hopefully, a better one.

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

The Pendent is available at:
 http://stores.theirishjewelrycompany.com/-strse-584/Kiss-Me-I'm-Irish/Detail.bok