Introduction
Five years ago, on Saturday, 3/5/2016, I did some enjoyable work at the homeplace. I did not publish an article about it. In 2016, I published only three articles.
On that Saturday, 3/5/2016, I took the above photograph at 2:28 PM. I had been cutting tree branches and doing other chores in the yard. Later that day, I wrote the following note to myself: “Half bed full of branches at the homeplace on a sunny day before the rain hit. Can't get any better!”
Little did I know on 3/5/2016 that my life would change, as it did, 24 days later on 3/29/2016. I have written about it. I apologize for my “vanity” by writing this in the introduction.
In 1991, the (former) USA Congress proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month. Why did it take them that long? Republican President Gerald Ford officially proclaimed February as Black History Month in 1976. Do not read “racism” into my words. That is an incorrect eisegesis.
Black Americans should have had their history month before they did. They just “beat” the Irish. (That's my humor.) Black Americans were immigrants by force. They came as slaves. That history is not pleasant. The War Between the States had to happen. Republican President Abraham Lincoln freed the black slaves in the south and then in the north. Black heritage helped this once-great melting-pot nation. That was my broad paintbrush wording. Some have harmed America and still do. As a people, however, the forced “immigration” of blacks helped America.
“When America Despised the Irish: The 19th Century’s Refugee Crisis: Forced from their homeland because of famine and political upheaval, the Irish endured vehement discrimination before making their way into the American mainstream.” History.com, by Christopher Klein, original 3/16/2017. That is one article among several online from reputable sources. The Irish were emigrants from Ireland and immigrants to America. They were predominantly legal immigrants. Many immigrated before the Ellis Island years (1892-1954). The Irish endured prejudice. They survived. They improved America. Again, that was my broad paintbrush wording. Some were illegal immigrants. Some did not survive. Some harmed America. As a people, however, Irish immigration helped America.
Anyone who is truly an Appalachian knows that the color of the skin does not matter. What matters is the content of character. Appalachians have known this for decades. I have met many fine Appalachians, red, yellow, black, and white. On 3/7/2021, while on my 177th hike on House Mountain, I met a family (husband, wife, and child) hiking up as I was hiking down. Their skin was black. My skin was white. We all made new Appalachian friends! I hope that I see them again.
My Irish heritage as a part of the Fearghail clan can be dated back to John Ferrell. He was my paternal (5th generation) great-great-great grandfather. John Ferrell was born in 1780 in an area that later became North Carolina or Tennessee. His date of death is unsure.
Irish heritage and black history have one item in common. Actually, any genealogy has one thing in common. What is it? All people are related through Adam and Eve, the first humans. Further, all Christians are one in Christ. I refuse to allow socialist propagandists to separate us. Do you? You should not.
Life, Such As It Is
Monday, 3/1/2021: Spring began! We had a little rain that turned to sunny and warm conditions. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman continued to drive daily to and from work. I continued my routine, working from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursday and Friday. The routine started on 2/1/2021. It is like “culture shock” to drive back and forth two days a week. I am tired of it.
** At 6:00 PM on Saturday, 3/6/2021, I heard my wife say, “Alright, Georgie.” I hope to continue this tomorrow. Supper is ready! You may ask why my wife calls me “Georgie.” I call her that too. **
Conclusion (on Wednesday, 3/10/2021)
Well, I am finally picking up where I left off four days ago. Last workweek, Tuesday through Friday, 3/2-5/2021, was the usual insanity. We endured, both of us. I will not dwell on the details.
Saturday, 3/6/2021: I took my 2006 Frontier for another handwashing after hauling off trash! Then, my truck and I went to Tractor Supply to buy stuff for Molly, our “old puppy”! You may not want to know the details, but I'll tell you anyhow. I had ordered online for pickup to ensure items were in stock. I arrived. The Tractor Supply shorted me one can of wet dog food. I knew it, but I did not care. It was not that much extra. The Tractor Supply does not stock merchandise as they used to do. Politely, I told that to the checkout person.
Well, today, Wednesday, 3/10/2021, at about 5:57 PM, I am finally publishing this article. I have at least two more articles to write. They are in draft form. I plan to publish them, Lord willing. Please wait for them, dear readers. Supper is almost ready.
No comments:
Post a Comment