Irish Eyes

When I was about 8 or 9 my grandmother taught me how to crochet. We didn't get beyond single or double crochet, but she did teach me how to make a chain and a little purse. When I was in high school, she told me to go through her yarn stash, and pick out several colors because she wanted to crochet me a blanket. I picked the craziest colors ever, mostly because I thought each one was pretty. I didn't think of the overall picture. However, my grandmother didn't say a word, and crocheted me a beautiful blanket that I still have. In many ways she introduced me to fiber before my mother did years later. She was also the person who introduced me to stamp collecting. The stamps didn't stick with me, but collecting sure did. She also once stood in a line for several hours just to get me a Cabbage Patch doll when they were all the rage and every store was selling out of them. She always had Fudgesicles in her freezer. Her garden had the most delicious fig tree and strawberries that I ate right off the vine. My dog Rosie loved her, and the two of us had a good time with her and my stepgrandfather when we stayed with her. I remember her at my wedding wearing a pink dress and being very happy. Even though she and I had a very difficult relationship in my adulthood, I still loved her very much and secretly thought that maybe we could somehow resolve some of the issues before her passing. That unfortunately was not to be. My grandmother passed away this St. Patrick's day. I'm Catholic, and half Irish of which she had lots to do with. I like to think that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland helped to welcome her home. I like to think that she knows that no matter how difficult our relationship has been that I love her and see a bit of her in my own daughter. I meant to do a fun post for St. Patrick's day, but perhaps this Irish blessing is more fitting today. May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do-- and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.