Saint Patrick’s Day is a holiday whose homeland is Ireland. It is celebrated in honour of the country’s patron – the bishop and apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick.
Few countries outside of Ireland can enjoy a patron whose commemoration manifests itself as a day off and the tradition of celebrating throughout the weekend. The grand celebrations are dominated by the green colour and the symbol of the three-leaf clover (shamrock), parades are organized in cities (there are local parades even in larger districts) and carefree fun continues in pubs. The history of these celebrations dates back to the seventeenth century. Over time, this holiday has spread to many places around the world, not only in English-speaking countries, but also in Japan and Poland, where this day is marked by beer and greenery (often in a literal combination in the form of a coloured liquor). Feasting is also accompanied by Irish music, dances and costumes.
As one of my favourite slogans promoting the celebration says: “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day”, and I guess there is something to it.
Today I’m bursting with pride because my daughter had the honour and privilege to dance in the National Parade watched by the whole world. When I first watched the parade on St. Patrick’s Day, I was delighted. It is a wonderful celebration of joy. But I never would have thought that 17 years later I’d still be watching the parade here and this time my child would be in it!! What a wonderful feeling. I’m so, so, so proud of S. She is strong, resilient and I can’t praise enough how great she is.
For many people being part of National Parade is a WOW moment. For me it’s 100 times more WOW, because only I know many difficulties she had to overcome to be where she is. And I don’t mean all the time we spent in the hospital over last 10 years, the surgeries and fear when we though we will loose her. It’s every day struggles, that no other kid in her class or school knows or has to go through. Even just before the big parade started we had to catheterize her in the tiny dirty bathroom, where she had to lie in on the floor, squashed in between toilet and the wall of the cubicle… its nasty, but it had to be done. And she did it, cos it was big day and huge excitement ahead. And she wasn’t even nervous or anxious for a moment, she was just excited to do it, to be part of The Paddy’s Day celebration.
Dear S. I’m so proud of you! I have tears in my eyes while I’m typing this and each time I think of that day. Watching you dancing and walking through the streets of Dublin, in this countries biggest event of the year made me so happy and proud of you. More than I can describe.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Patrick to all my friends in Ireland, Poland and across the world!
For each petal on the ️ shamrock this brings a wish your way for GOOD HEALTH, GOOD LUCK and HAPPINESS for today and every day!