Saint Patrick's Day Messages...
In weather reminiscient of the days George Washington crossed the icy Potomac, the young shipmates forged ahead wearing thick and heavy coats...

I am forwarding you a message I received today from a former neighbor and good friend, Irene Butler. Her son Keith, and my Doug, spent hours together as pre-teens and teens, playing games, probably "Battleship". It is just SO IRONIC that she wrote me this message so soon after I had written the Life in Virginia story even though I had not mentioned to her about the web site! I had forwarded her your St. Bridget's Prayer. Just thought I would share this with you. Her message is below....

From: Irene Butler
To: Jbellh@aol.com
Subject: Re: Wayne and June Wishing You a Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 12:49:34 -0800

Hi June, Thanks for sending the St. Patrick's Day verse... You won't believe this but I was driving along going to the Y this morning and the thought of the heater being left on came to mind. Anyway I remember when I was in Falls Church and my heater broke down one night and I called the Gas company. When the guy arrived Doug, Keith, and a few of the other boys were sitting around my dining room table playing a game (with their winter coats on.) Anyway the guy looked and said I needed a belt but he couldn't do it and I should call a repair person. As he walked back to his truck I saw him looking around inside and he came back with the belt but said he couldn't fix it. Anyway I dragged Keith downstairs and while he was showing Keith how to do it, he fixed it himself. I think he felt so sorry for me because all "my" kids were sitting there in the cold with their coats on. The guy was so nice and wouldn't charge me anything.
You know I still have memories of Doug and I think I always will. I do hope you are okay. I know the hurt never goes away but you have 2 other boys and that is a good thing.
Love, Irene

Jbellh@aol.com wrote:

Dear Hosier Friends and Family,

Below is a St. Patrick's Day verse ("A Lake of Beer For God") which was sent to Wayne and me by Doug's good friend, Blake Austin. Doug had met Blake in Japan in the mid 90's (and they probably tipped a few beers together). Can't help but think of Doug as I read the words. Feel free to drop a note and introduce yourself to Blake and his wife Kumiko.

Blake's message is: "Thought this was interesting. I have given up drinking altogether... but I recall the good ol' days with great fondness. My grandpa on my mother's side was Irish Catholic and quite a character. Very colorful person. He was horseman and caretaker of Sir Gabriel's estate and stable in Westchester County, New York. Lady Gabriel would send her maids to shoo us kids away from fishing in her ponds."

Lyrics to Saint Brigid's Prayer
(recited by Noirin Ni Riain)
http://www.Beliefnet.com/story/15/story_1570_1.html

I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.
I'd love the Heavenly
Host to be tipping there
For all eternity.

I'd love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I'd put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.

White cups of love I'd give them,
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I'd offer
To every man.

I'd make Heaven a cheerful spot,
Because the happy heart is true.
I'd make the men contented for their own sake
I'd like Jesus to love me too.

I'd like the people of Heaven to gather
From all the parishes around,
I'd give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.

I'd sit with the men, the women of God
There by the lake of beer
We'd be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.

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