Remembering

I have collected Christmas decorations through the years and as styles changed we would sometimes purchase new additions but some will stay with me all my life... The cigarette boxes I covered in wrapping paper because we had no money.... Each year as I put them on the tree I am reminded of how tough we had it and now, more importantly, how some of those around me are less fortunate. The bells made from pipe cleaners and foil covered egg boxes my children made in school... The silver skates given to me after breaking four ribs on the ice rink. The owls, old and new, given to me by special friends. The tree has become the story of my life and though I hate to put it up and decorate I draw great happiness as each and every decoration tells a story...good and sad....
Tomorrow I'll head into the Wicklow Mountains in search of mistletoe....just in case I manage to get over my shyness....
Christmas is a time of happiness and of sadness but for me mostly a time for reflection........

'Sé Fáth Mo Bhuartha

Sé fáth mo bhuartha nach bhfaighaim cead cuarta
Sa ngleanntán uaigneach ina mbíonn mo ghrá;
Bíonn mil ar luachair ann is im ar uachtar
Is i dtús an fhómhair a bhíonn na crainn faoi bhláth.
Níl gaoith aduaidh ann, níl sneachta buan ann;
Tá caladh is cuan ann ag loing 's ag bád;
Tá tuilleadh bua ann, 's níl tuaras na Cruaiche ann,
An té a dhéanfá suas lena mhuirnín bán.

for those who understand....... just saying