Green and Gold

Dear Jack,

Today is St. Patrick's Day. I spent much of this morning enjoying calling you by your full name, "John Patrick." I suppose if we were Catholic, St. Patrick would be your patron saint.

I also have enjoyed listening to the Celtic Tribute Players on the computer. There is nothing quite like toe-tapping Irish music.

You, though, have enjoyed all of the outdoor time. We were supposed to go to the Austin Science and Nature Center with the Hazens, but your sister was still running fever this morning necessitating a less social plan. By ten or so your sister was feeling like her old self, much like she did yesterday, and so we tried going for a St. Patty's Day bike ride.

About a half block down the street, your dad suggested a Southwestern bike ride and picnic, which is what we wound up doing.

You had such a nice time running around Southwestern. The last time we were there, you were just barely walking, so this time the challenge was keeping up!

Where are you going in such a hurry? To the fountain, of course! Water!!!

I did manage to get you to stop and take a couple of pictures, but really, you were in motion pretty much the entire time.

We walked from the Mabee parking lot to the academic mall, around the mall to the fountain, from the fountain to the Cullen Building, past Mood Bridwell and back to the academic mall for a picnic. Whew!

After the picnic, you were ready (if not willing) for your afternoon nap, so we headed home.

It has been a fun day, but in the back of my mind there is a melancholy to it all as St. Patrick's Day more than any other holiday makes me miss your uncle James. I think of him on all family gatherings and notice the void left by my little brother-in-law, of course, and on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it's impossible not to stop and be grateful to the soldier, but on St. Patrick's Day, I think of James Michael Nolen, the man. He loved this holiday and more than any other it is who he was as a person, not as a brother, son, father, or husband and not as a soldier. Just him. And I miss him and I know your dad and so many others do, too.

And so I am glad to be reminded, on St. Patrick's Day, of the communion of saints, of the promise that all believers will be gathered together in green fields and streets of gold and that somehow, in a way I cannot even fathom, we are already there with your uncle and he is here with us even now.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Love,
Mom