I hope everyone enjoyed being Irish for just a day! You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate blessings, good wishes and pride in your heritage.
My celebration, this year, was less about drinking green beer and more about reflecting on the blessings I received as the result of a very brave young couple making a hard voyage to start a new life.
My grandparents, George and Nora Lemon came to America from Ireland in the 1920’s after my grandfather fought in the Irish regiment in Africa during WWI. They came to Baltimore seeking a better life. George worked as a landscaper and Nora sewed for a few additional pennies.
They never owned a home. But their hard work allowed for their daughter Mary, to be the second woman to graduate from Johns Hopkins College. Their son Jack, my father, graduated from Hopkins also and went on to become a Vice President of General Dynamics Corp.
My earliest memories include sharing the pride I felt in being Irish. Even as a young child, I found ways to work this fact into conversation. Their story continued to influence me through out my life.
After six years of organizing, I now see most everything through the prism of organization. My grandparents were the ultimate goal setters. They had a lofty goal, made a plan and took the arduous steps to achieve it. The person I am and the life I have is a direct result of their goals.
I am forever grateful.
Irish blessings to all….