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Four Plus an Angel by Jessica Watson

Life after loss with autism, preemies and a rainbow baby

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The Irishmen

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irish blessing

In my twenties I faithfully wore a Claddagh ring.

Straight from Ireland, its twisting, aged silver reminded me of my heritage and my late Grandfather.

A proud Irishman, God was his closest friend, the color green a near second.

I lost that ring twice.

The first time, I panicked.

My grandfather had only passed several months before, I needed his memory in my hand.

I searched for days and finally gave up.

One morning my eyes caught a glimmer on my night stand.

Glistening at the first sun peeking through my shade was the crown of the Claddagh.

Nestled under my grandfather’s memorial card, was my ring.

Suddenly in a place I had looked many times before.

I slipped it on my finger and winked back at the picture of that handsome Irishman.

He knew I still needed him.

The second time I lost that ring was on a weekend away.

At some point in the excitement of our trip and the whirlwind of young love, it disappeared.

My dedicated boyfriend helped me search our hotel room to no avail.

Devastated, I could not believe my Irish treasure was gone again.

I realized that I had forgotten all about that lost ring on the way home from our trip,

as I looked down at the diamond that had taken its place.

A handsome Irishman once again at my side.

The luck of the Irish, glistening once again in my hand.

—————————————–

May God be with you and bless you.

May you see your children’s children.

May you be poor in misfortunes

and rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness

from this day forward.

(read on our wedding day, as my grandfather smiled down)

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  1. Maureen says

    I loved your Irishmen blog!! Three out of four of my grandparents were Irish: Murphy, Doyle, and Short. As I age, I am becoming more and more proud of my Irish heritage and am tickled to death seeing the little red heads sprout up in our family reminding me always of my sister Karen and my Dad.

    • Jessica says

      I love it too Aunt Mo, I thought for sure we would end up with a red head. McKenna’s was a bit read for awhile but not anymore :(.

  7. Mom Went Crazy says

    aww this is such a sweet post! I wish I had something insightful to say, but I don’t. Perfect post

  11. Catha says

    Thank you for sharing your memories with us. I still wear my Claddagh, though I am very Scot. It always reminds me of my grandmother and our heritage, but more importantly, of a wonderful woman who inspired me and is still with me today, as is your grandfather.

  12. Nana says

    Loved it Jessica, thanks for the blessing. He was a very special Irishman…and you DO have yourself another!

  16. Jen says

    What a perfect story for today. Its always a good thing to have the luck of the Irish on your side. 🙂

  19. Jaime says

    What a sweet story. Sounds like your grandfather knew that you would be in good hands and wouldn’t need him quite as much.

  20. Jenn says

    Oh, what a lovely story. Happy St. Patty’s Day to you!

    Stopping by from Mama Kat’s.

  24. Nancy C says

    Sigh…another home run. Gorgeous.

    We had an Irish blessing at our wedding as well. Even though we’re Norwegian and German.

    I think you might need to buy a new ring.

  26. Jessica says

    Beautiful writing and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. The luck of the Irish was definitely with you both times you lost your grandfather’s ring.