March 17 is an American holiday to commemorate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Although it was not originally celebrated in Ireland, this day is important to Irish immigrants as a way to remember their heritage.

And it’s one that I have never celebrated. Until recently.
As with most oral family histories, mine was shared by relatives who spent time digging through genealogical records. I knew that my Dad’s side was German & English, and my Mom’s side was mostly English (my Grandmother is a descendant of the first King of England, Egbert of Wessex).
But that’s where my identity ended. Mostly English, with a German surname from my Dad’s side.
Continue reading “Perspective Shifts and My (New) Irish Heritage” →