Irish Eyes Are Smiling and Very Happy...

"When Irish eyes are smiling,

'Tis like a morn in spring,

With a lilt of Irish laughter,

You can hear the Angels sing..."

Lil' Irish eyes are smilin'...and oh the Angels are a singin'...

Mom went to visit Dad today.  She arrived a wee bit later than she had planned.  The nursing home was decorated to make every Irishman proud...Every single resident, visitor, and employee were wearing green or green bead necklaces.  The dining room tables all had bright green and yellow striped tablecloths, yellow flowers with green ribbons and green and yellow balloons EVERYWHERE, with toe tapping Irish jig music playing. 

Mom found Dad surrounded by staff and residents as he joyfully belted out the song, "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen".  All the nursing station was abuzz with his full voice.  This is a very special song for my Dad.  He sang it to his Mother on her death bed...sending her off to Heaven with this very song...

Dad was exploding with happy cheerfulness, smiling and greeting everyone as he extended his hand to shake or reaching out his arms for hugs... It is Dad who gives us our Irish heritage.  His grand father was from Belfast, Ireland.

Mom took Dad a baggie of miniature York mint patties, a pack of gum and a box of Crackerjacks... all some of his favorites. Doctor-Doctor must have had the day off, but Dad was absolutely delighted with another nurse he calls, "Pickles".

Mom listened to Dad as he told her he had been elected advisor for activities.  He does a nightly broadcast.  He had imaginary businesses for his sons, other than the ones they currently have...He wants to give all the ladies awards and wants their phone numbers.

Dad played the table top like a piano as he told her he sings and plays for everyone because he is qualified in both singing and relationships.

When Dad's Irish feast arrived at lunch time, Mom cut up the generous two portions of roast beef with gravy, and smacked her lips as she surveyed the mashed yellow squash, beets, wheat bread with butter, milk and lemon cream pie.  As his usual practice, Dad promptly mixed everything together and devoured every bit until the plate was clean.  He dunked his bread with butter in his milk and gobbled it down, telling Mom how much he likes it this way.

Just as he polished off the last crumb of his lemon cream pie, "Pickles" waltzed in with a big plate of orange slices, fresh cut up peaches, and a pile of cottage cheese. Dad thanked her and gulped down everything but the curly lettuce it sat upon, as if he had just begun to eat!  He turned his milk glass upside down and informed Mom, he was done. 

Mom knows after Dad fills his belly, he is ready for a nap.  She wheeled him back to his room, where his male caregiver saw Mom and followed her into the room.  He helped Dad get ready for bed and elevated his legs.  Mom kissed Dad with her usual "love you" and hugged him good bye...

The physical therapist popped in to chat with Mom. Mom followed her out to the nursing station on her way out. She told Mom how amazed they all were with Dad's strength. Mom nodded in agreement, telling her we have all been in awe of Dad's super strength, lifting things himself, that took three of my brothers to attempt to move...  Dad is doing 100% on the stationary bicycle and is up to stage 5 with NO PROBLEMS!  She told Mom, when she woke Dad this morning and asked him how he felt, he gave her a huge smile and told her he was very happy.

We're very happy too...our Irish eyes are smiling ..