When I was a young lass, excitement erupted within my family as we prepared for our annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. My grandmother, who was part Irish and the other part piss and vinegar, would always call in advance to make sure the entire family was committed to attend. Upon entering my grandmother's house on that special day, the aroma of spicy, hot corned beef and boiled cabbage would consume me. My family would arrive, one by one, and each quick with witty banter, the party would begin.

As we arrived, each would be forced to don the customary St. Patrick's Day hat, which was usually purchased from a local 5 and dime and looked like an Irish top-hat. Shiny green, made out of fictitious material, the hat would sit graciously upon our heads while the adults drank dark ale and children enjoyed green colored drinks of a non-alcoholic nature.

My grandfather would begin the celebration with his annual "magic show" and perform amazing magic tricks whereby he would make things disappear into nowhere, then make them reappear in places you would never imagine. It then came time for the grab-bag. My grandmother would bring out a large pillow case overstuffed with gadgets and trinkets, and each child would dip his hand into the bag to pull out a favorite toy or book. During this time, my grandmother would also give each of us a dollar bill, that was wrapped in green ribbon.

When it came time for the meal to be served, we would sit around the antique table, and enjoy the corned beef laced with horseradish and peppercorned cabbage that my grandmother spent all day preparing. Other treats, like green color jello molds nestled with pears, and buttery, boiled red potatoes adorned the bountiful table, as we gobbled our dinners till our plates were clean. Dessert usually consisted of green sprinkled sugar cookies and coffee with the traditional jigger of Baily's Irish Creme for the adults.

As I think back upon this day, I remember the love that my grandmother put into this event and my eyes fill with tears over a memory of a time that I took for granted as a child. If only I could go back and tell my grandmother how much I appreciated her efforts! But I cannot, as over the years, many who originally enjoyed this celebration, including my grandmother, have gone on to pass, and times now, have changed. If you have a chance to enjoy a family celebration this St. Patrick's Day, I hope that this story will inspire you to never take it for granted! Happy St. Patricks' Day!