A Pandemic Memory: One Man's St. Patrick's Day 2020
By Ken Hesselbacher
March 13, 2024: I entered a magnificent candlelit establishment on St. Patrick's Day 2020 and found myself with one other gentleman.
I asked the young man if I was in a church or a bar. He replied, "Well, people come here for joyous celebrations and also during sad and troubled times. This is a bar, most definitely a bar!"
"And what might your name be?" I inquired. "Michael, my name is Michael," he replied. "Michael, a good name. Perhaps after St. Michael The Archangel?" Michael thought for a moment and said, "Yes, I like that."
"Well, Michael," I said, "tomorrow, Saint Patrick's Day, is the birthday of my brother-in-law, Pat Loftus. Of course, his mother, God rest her soul, named him Patrick and told him he was so special that they would celebrate his birthday every year with a grand parade in his honor. And for the past 68 years, he still believes this is so!"
And then, 40 years ago he moved to Pearl River, NY. Beatrice, his wife, God bless her, told him that he was so special that the town would celebrate his birthday on the first Sunday after Saint Patrick's Day with another grand parade in his honor! Of course, he believes this is so!
"And so Michael, On Saint Patrick's Day Eve, I'd like to toast my brother-in-law. Give me a double shot of Paddy's with a pint of Guinness on the side." "I'm afraid I can not do that," he replied. "The Governor has just mandated that all drinking establishments close due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. That is why there are no customers."
"Don't you think," I asked, "that we could just make this one exception. Who would know?" He looked at me for a moment and replied, "Do you think that Saint Michael The Archangel would do that?" "Right you are, young man," I said and headed for the door.
He said, "Before you go, what's your name if you don't mind me asking?" "Not at all; it is Kenneth. In Gaelic, it means handsome. When my mother, God rest her soul, first saw me, she thought I was so beautiful, she had to name me Kenneth."
Michael took a closer look and asked, "What happened?" "Life happened, and if it is still happening, I'll see you next St. Patrick's Day Eve."
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.