My precious grandmother passed away in 2005. She went by “Granny Bear” and I never knew her as anything else. Her real name, Clara, is a beautiful name but could never encapsulate her the way that “Granny Bear” always will. I had the priviledge to speak at her funeral service and share the many things that I loved about her, but because St. Patricks Day is quickly approaching, I want to write solely about her love for Ireland.
I certainly don’t know all of the details of how she came to love the country, but I do know that as long as I have known her, she has collected Irish things and worn green with pride. Come St. Patricks Day, she would adorn her home with little leprochauns and green decor of all shapes and sizes.
Her maiden name was Kelley, derived from the explicitly Irish “O’Kelley.” There was definiteley Irish in her blood.
Just a few years ago, she and Papa Bear went to Ireland for the first time and spent about a week touring the countryside and laughing to the ramblings of Irish comedian Hal Roach. Granny Bear laughed at his jokes until tears ran down her cheeks.
So maybe that is how I developed my interest in the beautiful country as well. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to go to Ireland, but in college, God provided me with an awesome chance to spend ten days there. For Spring Break my Junior Year, I decided to go on a “Break on Impact” trip rather than hit the beaches of South Florida and spend time with my family. At Covenant College, students have the opportunity to sign up for trips all over the world, raise thier own support, and spend a very meaningful Spring Break doing evangelism, manual lobor, or both, while ministering to indigenous peoples.
Choosing Ireland wasn’t difficult in the least. I’d always wanted to visit the coutnry, meet the lovely people and engage in conversation with them. Oh, I could just sit and listen for hours. I love Irish Limericks, Irish fables, and Irish myths. I love Irish tea and Irish candy. I love watching red-headed Irish children dancing to energetic Celtic melodies. I love the abundance of breathtaking scenery and the innumerable shades of green! I love the quaint little shops and ice cream parlors. I love “tea and biscuit time” and that it occurs several times each day.
I loved my time in Ireland and I cherish the memories, especially now that Granny Bear isn’t here to talk about Ireland anymore.
Ok, thanks for making me cry and ruin my eyemakeup!
That was a beautiful tribute to your Granny Bear…..