Yes, hubby’s grandma was full Irish. His mom knows all the Irish songs. When he is with her, I send him the audio recording of my friend singing “My Wild Irish Rose” to play for his Mom. She’s 97, and still knows every word.
Her mom sang Irish lullabies to her and her siblings as children. It’s very tender and sweet when you can get her to go back to her childhood like that.
It’s pretty cool that you once marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago. I wonder how much snow they had to clear for everyone this year.
Maureen O’Hara was a favorite actress that we watched in the 4pm movies when we’d get home from grammar school. Being Irish was a big deal then, as was being Irish in Chicago with Mayor Daly. That year they dyed the Chicago River green and I remember we were all humiliated when the camera focused on our saddle shoes. It was also a big deal to support Kennedy for president because of his being BOTH Democrat and Irish. I think I must have been the only Republican in our school working for President Nixon the year he lost in 1960. Made the mistake of attending a thank you banquet and actually met the local politicians I was working for. That year I had grandmother vote straight Republican with 3 Democrats. I had learned that the trick was never to meet them.
Your stories of grandmother-in-law are wonderful. Virtual hugs to you all.