How was your Thanksgiving? A few moments that reiterated how much I have to be thankful for were present and were celebrated, with family and other loved ones. Not to brag – I have been running through an obstacle course of medical tests and treatments since August for three brain aneurysms and resulting migraines, winded breathing, thyroid nodules and “spaces” on my liver and lungs.
The waiting is the hardest part, between getting an actual appointment with a specialist, getting the tests and then waiting for the results, getting medicines in hand, not in transit; treatments that have not worked to date, and trying another with equal hope. My faith, never weak or fickle, has been shored up by so many prayers, hugs, well-wishes, as well as the gratitude of how blessed I am to be vertical anyway flows through me, with health insurance, in a time of incredible advances and innovations.
I’d rather talk about it here, where others that may be going through something similar or just something, can see like me, they don’t walk alone. There is strength and love from above, and from inches (IM) away. We walk in the shadow of each other, offering both wisdom and shelter from the sunburn.
Happy New Year
This is the last issue of 2025. The calendar will flip, as will our 19th year. As we craft each issue, we think about you. What would you like to read/see in iIrish? Do you love the print issue, or do you find that and more, in the interactive digital issue and other platforms online your preference?
Already, new changes have started on the website, itself new this year too. Inside and online you will find fantastic stories on the new Irish president on our cover, and taking office in Ireland; implications to the reunification efforts; other politics of living; the Highwayman turning the bog into art; Sue annual Christmas Story; Dan Conway’s story on the Armada in Doona; Irish Lit looks at The Wexford Carol; plus music reviews and Christmas recipes; things to do and listen to this month; and a Testimonial from our youngest Speak Irish student as January begins our 15th year sponsoring Speak Irish Cleveland classes.
iIrish is made in America. We have always been green and are proudly Irish, all year long. Our gift bag of thanks and hugs to share with you is with us always – we hope to see you out and about.
