I can’t help but think of Dad on St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve already made my toast with Irish whiskey and I’ve cooked vegetarian versions of Irish stew and Colcannon. I believe I’ve mentioned before that for Dad being such a proud Irishman, he was not big on celebrating the holiday. I think he was suspicious of the cartoonish leprechauns and the focus on getting drunk (though Dad loved to have a few pints himself).
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Mom was telling me today that she thinks it was more her idea to marry than Dad’s. He seemed to be in no rush to get hitched, despite the fact that he was in his mid-thirties and still single. She didn’t have to push him very hard for him to agree to go down to Mexico and get married, but I wonder what was running through his head at the time.
I think sometimes daughters find it awkward to talk to their fathers about romance, but there are questions about his relationship with Mom that will forever go unanswered now. Mothers and daughters tend to share more information like that more readily. My advice is if you want to know something about your parents, ask now. The worst they can say is no. Otherwise, you may be left wondering the rest of your life about little details of your parents’ lives before you came into the picture.
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The Memories Project 
I can understand why your heart and mind were filled with thoughts and feelings about your dad yesterday. My dad’s birthday is St. Pat’s day, and his name is Patrick, but he’s Italian (and still with us). Do you think you could’ve spoke to your dad about matters of romance if you thought of it then? I don’t think I could ask my dad about things of that matter. There are many things my dad is private about and doesn’t want me to know. He doesn’t have the cleanest past and I think he’d feel ashamed if I knew, so I respect it, even thought I’d love him anyway. Thank you for the advice though, because I have had my dad tell me a couple of this stories from childhood on tape. I have to remember to ask him to record some more for me.
My heart is with you in missing your dad.
I agree, it would have been very awkward to ask my father about the girls he dated before Mom, etc. I’m so glad you were able to capture some of your dad’s stories on tape! I have a recording of my dad singing to me as a baby that I treasure, but I wish I had some of his stories as well.
Your dad singing to you as a child is such a treasure as well. My dad used to sing to me too, so I know how much that must mean to you. Hugs.