Happy birthday and happy memories

Today, 31 May 2020, would have been my father’s 79th birthday. It’s the first since he died last year and it’s been as emotional as you would expect. However, because of the lockdown my family wasn’t able to do what we usually would, get together and celebrate Dad’s birthday. My brother and I and our partners drove out to Glasnevin cemetery (separately, in convoy) where Dad is buried to find it closed due to the pandemic. Never mind, we enjoyed the lovely drive and the peace when we got there. It’s a beautiful place.

As we read the Latin over the gate of the cemetery, Joe said he was going to have an Erdinger beer in memory of Dad later. When Dad was well he loved Erdinger, a German beer, and my brother has a German wife. I was then reminded of some of the things I’d forgotten. Joe told me how Dad drank 17 bottles of Erdinger beer at Joe’s polteraben, a pre-wedding party we had two nights before my brother got married in Dresden in 2012. I’m still laughing at how he managed that – he was 70! And that he remembered the count. He had a great memory. My mother subsequently confirmed this, and said how Dad didn’t want to go home that night. That I remember: some of them left early (2.30 am) and the rest of us, including Dad, stayed up to the daylight, drinking schnapps and dancing. It was an epic night, so many friends and extended family were there, and I’m so glad it happened and that Dad was well and healthy enough to enjoy it. He loved travelling and seeing new places, and he and Mam visited Germany several times. They loved Munich.

So memories bring us joy and laughs despite the tears. Thanks Michael Drew for all the parties, the laughs and celebrations. In our separation we are all cheering you tonight. We love you.