An open letter to my family and kids...

Back to My Roots

Just a note to tell you about my trip to visit “my roots” back in February. Some time ago, my sister, Kath, had sent me a list of my relatives who live in Nenagh, Ireland. Their great grandfather (Thomas Harrington) and my great grandmother (Bridget Harrington) were brother and sister.

Well, at the encouragement of Gerri and an Irish friend in my London office, I decided to look them up. My friend accompanied me for the weekend. We flew from London to Cork and drove to Nenagh. While I only had the name and address of Tom and Marion Harrington (brother & sister), I didn’t know anything else. We drove to Nenagh and at the advice of my friend who said, “go to the oldest pub and look for the oldest person in the pub and ask the whereabouts of the Harrington’s”. Wow, it worked. The gentleman said: “yes, I know the Harrington’s, Tom works across the street at the dairy (a coop factory that processes milk for the nearby farms).” I walked across the street and, in my shy manner, inquired at the security gate and said: “I’m looking for Tom Harrington.” Out comes Tom; I put out my hand and said “I’m your relative from America”. His jaw dropped. Tom phoned Marion and the word spread.

This was a Friday afternoon and before quitting time, Marion organize a family get-together that evening.  It was great. Marion runs a B&B but, unfortunately, she had guests that night. We stayed, however, in another B&B around the corner.

I had brought our family tree, past communications, pictures and other memorabilia that I have gathered over the years and the updates that Karen (my daughter) had gathered for our Colorado reunion last year in March. We spent our evening tracing our roots. We figured out what we should call our relationship. We settled on “cousins” when introduced to their friends.

During the evening, they recalled the visit of Jack & Gertie Dunne back in 1992. Jack is Dad’s brother Leo’s son. Marion said that 3 weeks before they arrived, Jack had sent a letter to Marion advising her of their upcoming visit. On the appointed day, Jack & Gertie showed up at Marion’s door. You guessed it. Marion hadn’t a clue what was happening. Unfortunately, that was a period when a postal strike in Ireland was alive and well. She hadn’t received the letter. They were, of course, welcomed and entertained for the following 3-4 days. Marion said the letter arrived a week after they left.

They also remembered Uncle Fred’s (Dads brother) visit sometime in the past.

The next morning, Marion and Joan (Marion’s sister) took us for a tour of the area and the farm where my great grandmother was born. We had lunch with Margaret (Harrington) Ryan’s and her husband, Dennis. The entire visit was something I never imagined. I have a new interest in my roots and meeting some of the people of my wonderful and friendly Irish heritage.

That afternoon, we settled down in the “local’ (i.e. pub) with a pint (or more) of Guinness and watch Ireland and Scotland play rugby. Ireland played awful and lost the match. The country was shattered.

New Subject: What is my little brother (elder to Marg) doing now? I finished at 6 month assignment in London at the end of March. I’m back to being retired. There is a possibility of returning to London in July/August for another assignment. I just can’t get it right. Time will tell.

Gerri and I have just bought a home in the Atlanta area. It is about 8 miles from our current rented home. The closing date is tentatively June with immediate occupancy. After a year and a half of renting, we decided to take the plunge as well both like the Atlanta area. However, don’t write the new address in ink. Pencil is easier to erase and replace.

We hope all is well with you. Keep those cards and letters coming!

Love, Brother Mike & Dad