A shamrock (clover) has frequently been associated with luck. Ireland has used the shamrock as its symbol since the 18th century. Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity.
Are there clovers growing in your yard? I was young when my friends and I would hunt for a patch of clovers, sit down near them, and patiently look for a four-leaf clover for luck. I do not remember if I was lucky enough to find one.
The next question is “Are you, Irish?” Just so happens I am but only a small percentage. My grandmother was Irish. Whether Irish or not, it is a fun day to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day - March 17th, to wear green – or not – possibly getting pinched over and over. And feast on the annual corn beef and cabbage dinner.
March 17th has a special meaning for my husband, Don, and me. We met over forty years ago at my apartment complex St. Patrick’s Day party. Don moved to Denver four months earlier and one of his employees, Esther, lived in the same apartment complex as I did. She invited Don and Kevin, another employee of his, to stop for the festivities. They offered green beer, green hats, and necklaces, and hired a DJ.
After breaking up with my boyfriend the night before, several friends invited me to join them at Bennigan’s, a bar and grill restaurant, after work. We enjoyed lively conversation and a few appetizers, then decided to join the party at the apartments.
As we entered the community room, dancing, and mingling consumed the room. My sister, Vickie, and I decided to park ourselves on the nearby sofas to begin discussing the day’s events. An Earth, Wind, and Fire song, one of my favorite bands at the time, began playing. Suddenly this cute blonde guy tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to dance. I love to dance and still do to this day. So, of course, my answer was yes. After the song ended, he walked me back to the sofas and said, “Thanks for the dance.” Shortly after that, Vickie and I left the party.
A week later I received a call from a guy who started the conversation with, “Hi! I don’t know if you remember me or not, but I’m the blonde guy who danced with you at the St. Patrick’s Day party at your apartment complex.”
I asked, “How did you get my phone number?”
He responded, “Esther, a friend of yours, who works for me, shared your number.”
“Oh, she didn’t mention that.”
“I was calling to see if you would like to go to dinner with me?”
I paused, talking to myself. I don’t really know him - but Esther does. I remember he was cute and seemed polite. That doesn’t mean it’s safe to go out with him. Find a compromise! I answered, “That would be nice. Can I meet you somewhere?”
I met Don at the Black Angus Restaurant and the rest is history. We met on March 17th, were engaged July 10th, and married November 7th. I feel lucky and blessed that Don and I found each other, and I continue to pray for many more happy years together.
I hope you are also lucky in life!
Check out these sites for fun things to do on St. Patrick's Day.
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g26235518/fun-st-patricks-day-activities/
- https://www.womansday.com/life/a4698/unique-ways-to-celebrate-st-patricks-day-104555/
- https://www.visithoustontexas.com/blog/post/saint-patricks-day-in-houston/
All my best,
Julie
Good piece, particularly for St. Patricks Day. I enjoyed it.
I’d forgotten the clover’s usage as a Trinity metaphor.
I’ll send some editorial comments to your e-mail rather than clogging the flow here.
Awww Julie, this is such a cute story! Irish or not, you and Don have y’alls own special reason to celebrate March 17th!! <3