Michael has a good job in retail management. He lives with his wife and their two small children not far from Colleen and Eamon. We still see them all a couple of times a year. Eamon and Colleen adopted Michael eighteen months after he moved in. They are in their late sixties now, very fit and healthy, have a good relationship with their daughter-in-law and dote on their grandchildren.
Sadly Jack passed away quite suddenly from a heart attack but Nora is doing well. She sees Michael and his family, and Colleen and Eamon, regularly.
I still think of Pat sometimes, with great affection. He was one of life’s gentlemen: kind, thoughtful, optimistic and determined to make the best of every day. It is no surprise Michael has inherited his father’s philosophy. The grandchildren are the image of Pat and I know he would be very proud of his son; indeed I am sure he is. I should like to leave you with another of Pat’s favourite Irish blessings:
May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.
