It’s St. Paddy’s Day 2021. This holiday is one of my favorites, not just because I’m part Irish, but because it’s such a fun day. Great food, friends, some libations (after work of course), but also I think about him. My grandfather loved St. Paddy’s Day, and 30 years ago today he celebrated his very last…
James Gallery was many things. He was a great cop, outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt, friend to all, and most importantly, a great family man. When I was born he already had a camcorder (that’s a big camera that recorded straight to VHS, which is something people used to watch movies from, kind of like a cassette for tv/film… whoa, way off topic, sorry). Anyway, from my birth until his passing he recorded me and I love watching those old tapes. You see, my parents worked odd hours so my grandparents would watch me during the day and oh boy, did my grandfather love that. He would take me to the Hudson River, watch the trains with me, and give me all of his love. Besides his family, he also loved St. Paddy’s Day…
Yeah, that’s baby Dave…
My grandmother always says my grandfather loved St. Paddy’s Day. It was his favorite because he got to eat his favorite meal of the year, corned beef and cabbage, but he also got to eat with his family. A husband, father of three, and a grandfather, he was surrounded by his loved ones and his plate was full. Watching the tapes I have, I see all the holidays covered, but St. Paddy’s is definitely special. Knowing the outcome, watching his last St. Paddy’s Day is the hardest.
30 years ago today my grandfather sat down at his table, looking very thin from cancer, surrounded by his family and one thing never changed… he was still smiling. Whatever he was dealing with, physically or mentally, he was happy because he was with his favorite people, with his favorite meal, on his favorite day… St. Paddy’s Day.
I love you Poppy. I think of you often, especially today.
