In honor of St Patrick’s Day, I thought I would share a snippet from my family history. My maternal grandmother, Kate was born in Ireland and she set sail for America, by herself when she was just seventeen. She worked as a governess for a family in New York City.
My grandfather, James was Irish as well and grew up in a coal mining town in PA. As a young man he hopped a freight train and came to New York to escape the life of working underground in the coal mines. Kate met my grandfather at a local candy store where he worked, and they married and had six children of their own. James worked most of his life as a train conductor. My mom, Elizabeth was the youngest of six children and she and my dad knew each other from childhood, married and raised six of us kids. I have the best memories of growing up in a large family and in a neighborhood where everyone knew you by your family name.
Sadly, my grandmother never had an opportunity to visit Ireland or ever see her family again. Money was scarce and calling by telephone was very expensive, so they corresponded by letter. I was the first in my immediate family to visit in 2011. Meeting all my relatives was a dream come true and one that I will always cherish. It is true about what they say about Ireland, it is the land of 1,000 welcomes where extraordinary hospitality is commonplace.
Long ago, early Irish (Brehon) law became deeply rooted in Irish culture. In those times, all households were obliged to offer hospitality to travelers and strangers passing through. This included meals, a bed to lay their head and entertaining. Once hospitality was accepted, no prying questions could be asked of the guest and the traveler to was refrain from any violence or quarrel while in the house. Monetary payment was never expected but exchanges of traveling tales, poetry and songs were welcome.
The people of Ireland and their descendants possess and intuitive awareness of God’s presence in all creation. Their deep faith has sustained them through famine, persecution, and dire poverty throughout the centuries. A wonderful symbol of faith is the Celtic cross which first emerged in Ireland in the Middle ages and from 500 BC forward became widespread across the landscape of Ireland with many remaining today. Although there are various interpretations, the Celtic cross is said to represent knowledge, strength and compassion to manage the ups and downs of life. The four points of the cross are thought to signify the directions of the compassions; the elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water and of our mind, soul, body, and heart. The center ring of the cross is a symbol of infinite love with no beginning and no end, of divine union and of God’s endless love and many believe it is also a depiction of the halo of Christ.
In closing, I would like to leave you with this blessing by John O’ Donohue.
May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do, the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected.
May your soul calm, console, and renew you.
- John O' Donohue, Anam Cara
May you be warmly received and at home wherever your journey may take you, touched by a gentle wind that carries love's blessings your way!
Liz Wessel
Family photo
Mandala by ~liz
