Remembering My Dad On St. Patrick's Day

There is an old saying "Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's day." If you walk by places that sell alcohol, you might think this is the case. Well, most of those people only wish they were Irish. Doesn't everyone?

My father, your great-grandfather, was Irish to the core. I remember hearing him sing, "My Wild Irish Rose," to my Mom, who by the way, was 100% French. If I close my eyes, I can vividly see great-grandpa Harpy pretending he was playing an instrument and belting out an Irish lullaby.

We had a standard song that was a must at our wedding receptions. At the end of the evening, the last song sung was "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." I remember having tears in my eyes when our family stood and sang this song together.

Just another awesome memory. And just in case you've never heard the song, here it is:

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

~Lyrics by Chancellor Olcott and
George Graff, Jr.

There's a tear in your eye,
And I'm wondering why,
For it never should be there at all.
With such pow'r in your smile,
Sure a stone you'd beguile,
So there's never a teardrop should fall.
When your sweet lilting laughter's
Like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;
You should laugh all the while
And all other times smile,
And now, smile a smile for me.

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

For your smile is a part
Of the love in your heart,
And it makes even sunshine more bright.
Like the linnet's sweet song,
Crooning all the day long,
Comes your laughter and light.
For the springtime of life
Is the sweetest of all
There is ne'er a real care or regret;
And while springtime is ours
Throughout all of youth's hours,
Let us smile each chance we get.

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hugs and kisses,