Being Irish

There are over 80 million people worldwide with Irish roots, but 10 times as many people regardless of their nationality have an Irish attitude.  Being Irish is an attitude that anyone can have and should have to overcome life’s obstacles.  I’m an Irish descendant who grew up in house with an Irish culture and an attitude molded to tackle life. To be sure, by Being Irish I’ve survived cancer a long time now.

The Irish have a long history of tragedy, ie. The Potato Famine, The Great Diaspora, hangovers, weak coffee, blood pudding for breakfast (?)  In spite of these setbacks, the Irish overcame them again and again.  I’m applying for duel citizenship with Ireland, so I had to conduct some family research.  Not much mention of cancer in the medical history, but lots of heart disease, cirrhosis, and accidents. My great-great grandfather Michael Lawson drowned off the coast of County Clare in a fishing mishap, his son John got run over by a railroad car on my birthday March 26th, and my great grandfather Patrick McMahon was killed by a runaway horse-drawn milk truck.  I know these sad stories are not as bad as your Facebook account getting hacked, but they’re awfully close.  Whether it’s these or other disappointments like them, the Irish always fall back on their family to rally around them.   I’ve spent a lifetime in hospitals both as an executive and a patient, so I’ve seen plenty of lonely people suffering by themselves.  Unfortunately, many of these folks have families somewhere, but they’ve lost touch with them.  If you are one of those lonely people, then you should put aside whatever issues divided you from your family and reach out to them.  Humility is a tough thing, but Being Irish may just turn your life around.

As for my house, Diane gets frosty when our sons say they are all Irish.  She’s 1/2 Polish, but her Dad clearly had an Irish attitude, so they’re 100% Irish as far as I’m concerned.  She also gets all wound up when they do the Sign of the Cross when we pass by my high school and not hers. Tussling with Mom is a typical Irish thing since most Irish houses are lead by strong women.  Whether it was my grandmother Margaret Sullivan, my mother Eileen McMahon, my Aunt Nancy, or in our house Diane Lawson, tough women are in charge and there is no room for shrinking violets.  You got to be tough otherwise you’d get bowled over by your wild husbands and children.  At the same time, women keep the flame of life lit for the family when times are hard, so without a doubt in my case I can easily say Diane is 100% Irish.

Probably the best definition of Being Irish is a stubborn refusal to bow to defeat.  Even though I have seen the Notre Dame Fighting Irish lose a ton of football games, they are known for coming back with no time left or beating giants they shouldn’t have.  Some say it’s luck, but in reality its simply not giving up when all seems lost.  That’s Being Irish and its a essential perspective you need to have when battling an illness or a bad life event.  Statistically speaking I shouldn’t even be here now, but I’ve chosen to stay until I’ve gotten the tap out.  I am mostly deaf in my left ear, so if God has whispered “tap out”, then I haven’t been listening.  By the way, defying authority is without a doubt Being Irish.  So this St. Patrick’s Day let’s raise a toast to all people, from all walks of life, who are defying the odds and fighting their fights Being Irish. Go Ukraine, you are definitely Being Irish. Slainte.