Thursday, February 24, 2011

Making The Most Of It


I took the title of this entry from something my daughter posted on her Facebook page earlier this week. Along with that title she posted several pictures from the memorial for my cousin Patrick who I wrote about here in my previous post. And make the most of it we did. By my estimate more than 300 family & friends joined in on a wonderful goodbye to a wonderful & talented young man. Though somber at times, the gathering was full of fond memories, laughter & music....and most importantly was a chance to revisit with members of my family that I haven't seen in far too long. It was at times a tough day........but mostly it was one of those days that you hold in your heart & never forget. A day to reconnect with family, share memories and take what started as a sad goodbye....fill it with the closeness of family &......make the most of it.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Hand of A Friend


I read somewhere long ago that you can count your true friends on the fingers of just one hand. That when you need them the most they are the ones that are there for you no matter what the circumstances. Well I guess I've lived long enough to exceed those expectations but can't really tell you why I've been blessed enough to reach that point. Nonetheless, the truth is that those close friends have been there for both me & my wife this past week during a very difficult time.

On Tuesday February 1st I lost my cousin Patrick Halloran in that terrible crash on route 4 in Mendon. Pat's mom & mine were sisters & though he was 20 years my junior we always had a great time together when he came to visit and play at McGrath's Irish Pub at the Inn At Longtrail. Pat was heading down the mountain from the inn where he had played the Friday & Saturday night before to spend a couple of days at my place before heading back to Pennsylvania to watch the Super Bowl with family & friends there. The bad weather & fate that afternoon would never allow that to happen. From almost the moment that word got out about Patrick's accident those friends were there with the support that was so badly needed. There's no need to publicly acknowledge them here because whether it was at the hospital that afternoon; my home later in the day or just a phone call or email, those friends know who they are. They certainly filled more than just the fingers of one hand and I am truly grateful to them all.

Patrick Halloran was a unique talent that will be missed not only by the family that loved him....but by those who knew him through his music. Irreverent.....off color......corny; his music was all of that.....but it was also well written & most of all fun! And for that too I will always be grateful.

Until we meet again Pat.....Slainte!