We had Mom over for the meal of corned beef brisket, potatoes, carrots and Soda Bread. The Kerner Beef brisket is brined by our butcher and it is an amazing brine he cures the cut in. I don't care for mixing my vegetables with good beef, so they're baked and steamed, respectively. But, the kids like the Soda Bread best. I'm sure it's because of the "charms" hidden in tin foil packets throughout the loaf. They know their meaning by heart. . .the safety pin for health, the button for luck, the coin for riches and the ring for love. We forgo the table manners so each child gets a piece with a prize, as long as they don't mangle the other pieces. Dana earned health and Sam earned wealth last night.
My favorite thing of the evening has to be the stories. Mom shares with us childhood memories of Aunt Helen not quite cutting off the chicken's head that was marked for supper! A few stories of their Mother's stubborness. Grandpa's ability to forget their Dad at the Weiser Saleyard on Thursdays and how someone would have to drive back to town to pick up Dad in the Brand Office. The kids laugh and we disucss their similarities to our own.
The Irish music is always in the background, something that reminds me of my Dad and his love for music. The roots of heritage must run deep because Irish music always speaks to my heart. I can feel the music. That has always been important when I play a piano piece. Does that piece speak to me, can I make the music memorable for someone?
I wonder if my kids will celebrate March 17th in their homes. Will it just be another commercial holiday with kitsche decorations or will they remember their family and the stories.
I just really hope they remember the charms in the Soda Bread!
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