Today is a very special day for me. My mother came from the Old Country in 1955 with her sister Georgina. They emigrated from Midelton, County Cork, Ireland like their brother and two sisters before them. There are a few things about the Irish that I can tell you from experience – they are quick witted and love to laugh and they are hardworking. These are the two great genetic traits that the Irish pass on through generations. Unfortunately, my experience also has shown that they can be argumentative and hold a grudge until death, but that’s pretty committed if you think about it. The photo above shows my great-grandfather and great-grandmother, James and Mary Fitzgerald with their two boys. My mother loved her grandmother who she called, Munnah.
In honor of the great many smiles, secret snickers and belly laughs I’ve had the privilege of sharing with my family and cousins, I’m passing on one of my favorite jokes to honor the the Priest who got the snakes out of Ireland. If only he could get them out of Washington:) ——- The Pope goes to New York. He is picked up at the airport by a limousine. He looks at the beautiful car and says to the driver, “You know, I hardly ever get to drive. Would you please let me?” The driver is understandably hesistant and says, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m supposed to do that.” But the Pope persists, “Please?” The driver finally lets up. “Oh, all right, I can’t really say no to the Pope.” So the Pope takes the wheel, and boy, is he a speed demon! He hits the gas and goes around 100 mph in a 45 zone. Paddy the policeman notices and pulls him over and asks the Pope to roll down the window. Startled and surprised, Paddy asks the Pope to wait a minute. He goes back to his patrol car and radios the chief. Paddy: Chief, I have a problem.
Chief: What sort of problem? Paddy: Well, you see, I pulled over this guy for driving way over the speed limit but it’s someone really important. Chief: Important like the mayor? Paddy: No, no, much more important than that. Chief: Important like the governor? Paddy: Wayyyyyy more important than that. Chief: Like the president? Paddy: More. Chief: Who’s more important than the president? Paddy: I don’t know, but he’s got the Pope driving for him! Thanks to St-Patricks-day.com
