The Celtic monks were people of the pen, or more accurately the quill. Given that writing was such a central part of the Celtic tradition I thought it would breathe new life into that tradition by inviting some well-known people to write a letter to either their mother or father, given the centrality of the family in the Celtic tradition. In Ireland today we are wonderful at saying how great people were after they died, but the Celts did not wait until people died to say how great they were. Here is another lesson they can teach us.
To begin I invited author and journalist Martina Fitzgerald to write a letter to her mother.
Letter to My Mother
Dear Mum,
I don’t think I have said it enough – thank you.
You and Dad worked so hard to ensure all of us had the opportunity to pursue our dreams. I know it was hard especially when you had three children in university at the same time but you made it happen. You never grumbled. I hope I never took it for granted.
Many people say we look alike but, in fairness, Maria got your colouring and brown eyes. I think I inherited something else – your determination and stubbornness – traits that I have come to admire. There are not many people on their way to hospital for a check-up, that would ask the ambulance driver to stop so they could vote. You were so determined. While initially taken aback, I was secretly so proud.
I have always admired your candour – you are a straight-talker and scrupulously fair. You taught us all to pay our bills and not to live beyond our means. You feel strongly about certain things, which we all admire, although we flee the scene when you are watching particular football games.
All of my friends think you are amazing and look great and are so fashionable. I look back at family photographs and I hope I’ve inherited your genes. It’s no wonder that you take particular pride in telling people, often strangers, your age. You enjoy the reaction, although you’re not necessarily truthful. You always add an extra year on because you believe it’s technically closer to the truth. To my amusement, I have learned that you are not so forthcoming locally, where you keep such matters private.
I will always remember how strong you were when Granny, Dad, Peter and Auntie Bridget were ill. You often said that you’d have liked to have been a nurse – you certainly had the skillset and the patience. You did everything possible for all of them and they knew it.
Mum, I love you and am so proud of you. Myself, Maria, Thomas and Peter really hit the jackpot. Thank you for everything.
Martina