Why St. Pats Is So Special To Me

Lots of people out there love Saint Patrick's Day. And to those of you that do, Happy St. Pats to you! I have to say though, that I personally feel really special on this day because it holds a great deal of meaning to me.

My parents are phenomenal! I can't even put into words how much I love them and what they mean to me. They are truly two of my dearest friends. I love having quality time with them and so do my daughters. They are just great people that do so much for me and my family. That is kind of amazing, seeing what I put them through as a teenager/young adult. Not to mention the pain I was as the "baby" of the family. My mom tells me now, at times, when I am whining about being a busy mom or my children misbehaving, "Karma"! I have to laugh!

My father went to Alfred University, and the patron saint was, of course, Saint Patrick. This day was probably the biggest event on campus at the time. There were parades and parties galore. I love looking at my mother's scrapbook of their young love, college days, and all of the little programs and pictures from all of the dances they would go to. They would have actual orchestras performing, including Duke Ellington. My mom actually sat on his piano bench with him and they had a long conversation. It just seemed like a magical time.

So, why is St. Pat's special? My father proposed to my mom on this day. It was during the big dance of the evening after the parade. I swear, they celebrate more on this day then their actual anniversary. They have been married for 50 years now, and I am just so proud of them both.



Is this not the cutest! This is the parade, and the day they became engaged!

Those are my parents, on the lower left. I love my mom's dress and my dad was so cute. This is the dance they were at when my dad proposed.

I have spent hours looking through this scrapbook. My mom was so creative and in my eyes, it is the best scrapbook ever made.

This goes to show how ga ga they were about St. Patrick's at Alfred. This was the year that my dad won the beard contest. He has a shamrock cut into his beard. He won a Remington 60 De Luxe shaver.

So here's to you mom and dad! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to the most amazing parents a girl could have. I could never thank you enough for your love, support and all that you do for all of us. I love you so much!

Chirp!