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December 21st 09
Beannacht
Over the weekend I had a notion that this blog would be a good place to cogitate over family and life and its burdens and all that goes with that. I thought I might deal with some of the events in the life of my clan and in my own life. Events which are now in the media. But on reflection it’s too near Christmas for all that. Maybe some other time. But not now.
For now I want to thank all those people who have been so good to me and my family. Búiochas to the professionals who have been so kind to us. And to friends and comrades who have phoned and texted and sent solidarity greetings. And emails. And others who don’t have my contact details but who sent words of support through third parties. Or cards.
Thanks also to others who approached me on the street like the woman who came to me after Mass to say her family were in the same situation. By the time I got home that day four people told me the same thing. And that was before I did the interview with RTE.
People are good.
And thanks also to my wonderful family for their grace and forbearance.
I offer John O Donoghue’s Beannacht up to you all. To family, friends, detractors, naysayers and supporters alike. It is in a wonderful book Anam Chara, which I meditate on from time to time but it came by email to me on Saturday from a very good sister from Clare. It is very appropriate for the mood I’m in. Seo daoibh:
Beannacht – Blessing
On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.
And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets in to you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green,
And azure blue
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak to mind your life.
Nollaigh Shona Daoibh Uiligh.
Beannacht
Over the weekend I had a notion that this blog would be a good place to cogitate over family and life and its burdens and all that goes with that. I thought I might deal with some of the events in the life of my clan and in my own life. Events which are now in the media. But on reflection it’s too near Christmas for all that. Maybe some other time. But not now.
For now I want to thank all those people who have been so good to me and my family. Búiochas to the professionals who have been so kind to us. And to friends and comrades who have phoned and texted and sent solidarity greetings. And emails. And others who don’t have my contact details but who sent words of support through third parties. Or cards.
Thanks also to others who approached me on the street like the woman who came to me after Mass to say her family were in the same situation. By the time I got home that day four people told me the same thing. And that was before I did the interview with RTE.
People are good.
And thanks also to my wonderful family for their grace and forbearance.
I offer John O Donoghue’s Beannacht up to you all. To family, friends, detractors, naysayers and supporters alike. It is in a wonderful book Anam Chara, which I meditate on from time to time but it came by email to me on Saturday from a very good sister from Clare. It is very appropriate for the mood I’m in. Seo daoibh:
Beannacht – Blessing
On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.
And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets in to you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green,
And azure blue
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak to mind your life.
Nollaigh Shona Daoibh Uiligh.
Comments
Too well I understand the perverse consequences of generational subjegation and the violence and despair that flow from plunder, rape and pillage unresolved.
Let the spirit of freedom cry out from the forgiven at the right hand. Our ancestors, seeing now through the glass clearly and baptising us in the anger of his righteousness which knows not the confusion wrought of the transfered guilt of another.
let the reconstructed bourgeoisie wallow in their denial, consoled with their falseness and fable of existence.
We always love our own, especially when we hate them.
I was thinking about you yesterday, and did a google search to find your blog link again; that's when I read about what you and your family are going through right now. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and me & my family wish you peace and comfort in this challenging time.
Nollaig Shona Daoibh.
Years ago I had the opportunity to listen to the Movie version of "It's a Wonderful Life" with the director Frank Capra ,he was lecturing at the University ,he played the radio version to the movie , as part of the lecture , he said" that you can not learn anything about anything , unless you learn to listen" people do lisen to you Gerry and you have made the world a better place ,because your in it, Thank you Gerry
at this difficult time you are in all our thoughts and prayers. much love to you and yours. Gerry Keenan,Liz and Sean.
Derry Republican
I love that blessing
thank you
It hearkens me to the truth that is actually going on inside ourselves,
inside all of us,
if we would but listen to its voice.
percy
Best wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year.
Deirfeadh muid paidir duit fein agus do chlann ag an am deacair seo. nollag shona duit!
adh mor
le gra
clann Groves, gCill Uaidhe
As it is great fortitude is needed by yourself and family in the days ahead. You have the support of more than you will ever know.
Hope all works out for you.
Good luck.
Your friend and comrade.
I also had to navigate my family through 'unchartered waters' and with all my experience mustered I still couldn't find the easy path.
So although your situation is on a different level, I hope you and your family find harmony and unity through this episode, knowing the good will prevail.
Michael
May the Joy of Christmas be upon you.
May the anticipation of the New Year inspire you.
May the coming decade reward you
With an abundance of life's simple pleasures.
I'm having a lovely holiday already and I'm delighted that I didn't get held up because of all that bad weather.
I've just bought a book of yours called, "The New Ireland" a vision for the future. I think I've read nearly all of your books so far.
Take it easy on the black stuff over the holiday and don't be competing with your man. (ha ha)
I hope you all but particularly Aine can get justice and the proper help she needs to come to terms with others actions.
In the meantime, try and enjoy Xmas and I hope the New Year brings you and your Clann the strength to carry on.
Nollaig Shona Daiobh,
Thinking about you and the entire clan, hope all works out well and you've a happy Christmas and peaceful new year.
Best wishes comrade,
Paul Mór
Nollaig Shona Daoibh
Wishing you and all your family peace,love and strength for Christmas and into the future.
God give you Wisdom,
God give you Grace,
God give you Courage,
God give you Peace.
thinking of you and your family and hope you all have a happy and peaceful christmas.
Thoughts are with you and your family
Nollaig Shona Daoibh
You won't remember, but we met in Dublin at Easter 2008 and chatted briefly. I've always been struck by your honesty and integrity, despite my differences with some of your views.I've also had experience of abuse (although physical and emotional) within my own family. It took some serious courage to make the statement that you made. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. You'll never get real closure, but there are ways to deal with these things. And the way you have handled this is an inspiration.
Hope you've had a good Christmas. Looking forward to your next post.
Proud of both your transparency and courage during this painful time.
All the best.
Katrina