When Irish eyes are smiling

Everyone needs a little green, especially if it’s in the shape of shamrocks or leprechauns!

A few years ago when we were coming home from Florida we stopped for gas in Savannah, Ga.

Traffic was unreal so we decided to see what the big attraction was. It was St. Patrick’s Day and in Savannah they celebrate for several days – roughly 400,000 Irish or Irish wannabes for the day come from everywhere to celebrate.

It all started here when a small group of Hibernians organized a march to remember the 17th of March, the day their patron saint, Patrick, died. St. Patrick had his share of ups and downs. He was captured by pirates and sold into slavery, where he stayed for six years. He is also known for banishing all the snakes from Ireland.

Over the years, Savannah prospered from the Irish immigrants who came to America after the potato famine and political persecution in their country. This is the reason for the big celebration.

My grandmother came from Ireland, so I have many memories of St. Patrick’s Day. There was always corned beef and cabbage cooking that day waiting for friends and family to come for eating, dancing and singing. My fondest memory of my grandmother was him singing to me when I was young and trying to get me to go to sleep with an Irish lullaby: “When Irish Eyes are smiling, sure ‘tis like the morn’ in spring. You can hear the angels sing and when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they steal your heart away.”

So whatever you do have a little fun on St. Patrick’s Day. Here is the Irish Blessing to send you on your way:

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May the rains fall soft upon your fields

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.