A Day for Friends!

Saint Patrick's Day reminds us all of traditions.

As we all searched for that green apparel last night or this morning we knew that although green was not required we were probably going to wear it anyway. But why?

Traditions belong to us after they are created and we always want to belong to something. I don't think that I have any Irish ancestry, but since I was a child Saint Patrick's Day has been a day to celebrate. Even though that has taken different forms over the years I always recognize it.

As students of elementary or primary school, holidays like St. Patrick's Day allow us the chance to have a little extra fun. Green socks, green shirts, hair bows for little girls and bulletin boards across the school, an broaches and all those additions made it festive to participate in a holiday that mainly brings a smile to an ordinary March day.

Several years ago while I was attending Murray State, some good friends and I decided to make a trip down to Savannah, Georgia to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The river was dyed green and of course we enjoyed green spirits all night, we even drove my green vehicle to the city. Green all around! When I think about St. Patrick's day I always remember that trip. It's etched in my mind because I spent it with a group of people that I grew up with and I mean just that. We encountered the same things in life at the same times. I have often thought we were put together by some act of fate to help one another make it through those times. Each of these individuals brought something different to the table and throughout those years we managed to adapt and understand many of life's opportunities and challenges together. We reached a point whereas we became a secondary family, a safety net for each other.

Over the years we have settled all over the place; but we manage to get together once or twice a year to celebrate what was and always will be an awesome union. We found something back then in the halls of Dawson Springs School, there in our neighborhoods, and in our homes...each other. I will always be glad we did!

Today, as I am fortunate enough to be able to celebrate yet another St. Patrick's day, I will raise a glass to friends! The people that understand us and like St. Patrick's day, even though it is not required...they love us anyway!