St. Patrick's Day... the history and meaning!

Tonight i went to the Marylebone for a bit. I saw the bars and remembered all the great St. Patrick Days of years past. I know this has nothing to do with Kidney or transplants but maybe it does, maybe being sick makes you think of all the great things that have happened. I remember being in high school at Gross and skipping on St. Patrick's Day, going to the Marylebone, getting my face painted, and then going to school and showing people that at the age of 15, 16, 17 I went to a bar!!! My parents were awesome enough to know that March 17 was the most important day of my young life.

Lets fast forward to NWMSU. When I was a sophomore i made my schedule according to the date of St. Patricks. I mean by this time I knew the kidneys weren't 100% but I didn't give two shits. I wanted to party. Vanessa and I got the bar super early because when you are only 19, the law frowns upon underage drinking. I was "Megan O'Sharpe" for the day, and I RSVP'd my own spot at the end of the bar. Well, by noon I was giving hugs and kisses to everyone! I mean everyone!! The liquor guy came to the bar, but since V and I were already regulars, we hid in the DJ booth. At that moment I knew Vanessa and I were like meant to be buddys!! We still laugh about that day. It was one of my favorites and still is! I never looked at March 17 the same. It has and will always be a great day for me. My junior year I sat at the bar, drank the green beer, puked the green beer, and loved everyone that crossed my path. Senior year... wet T-shirt contest. Does anyone remember that?!? I sure as hell do. It was great.

After NWMSU I still didn't give myself responsibilities on St. Pats. Took time off work and traveled to places near and far. Visiting Kathy in South Carolina... going to Georgia... "Hot Cops"... "James and the Giant Peach"... My dad giving us shot glasses. I can't forget the punching contests... the tattoos... the matching Old Navy Tank Tops.... Don't forget Chicago!! Watching them die the Chicago River. Watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Chicago... A M A Z I N G!!

I guess all this reminiscing on St. Patrick's Day eve makes me remember all the great times in my life. I have been bitching and moaning for years about when all of the changes in my life would begin, and now that i am here, i am OK. When I am plugged in tomorrow, in my green t-shirt, with my face painted from the Marylebone (I'll go over my lunch hour) I won't be too pissed off. For the last 13 years I have celebrated, drank, partied, and had a hell-of-a good time with the best of them. I have memories that will last a lifetime and ones that I will tell Ella, and Marlee. Memories I will share with Urban and Savannah... and Kathy's baby (whenever that is)!!! I will just think and hope for March 17, 2011 when I am back in the swing of things.At that time i will drink and celebrate with the entire crew on Leavenworth Street and toast to the "kidney adventure of 2010!!!!

I do want people to know I will be at the Marylebone after treatment tomorrow as long as my blood pressure holds up. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Here is something in honor of my awesome Irish Father...
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.