Thanksgiving Day 2008

Welcome to the Meehan family blog. You will see our immediate family; Sean, Nancy, Katie and Danny and our dear friend Dawn and in the second picture Patrick Meehan, Dad and me.

In the summer of 2008, Dad was in and out of the hospital in the last few months seven times. (from Aug.-Nov.)
We are grateful for the support of family and friends.
In this slideshow, you will see photos of some of our friends who really helped us with their joyful presence.
Ann Pulliam is in the first photo. Ann's mother, Bridie, died in September. RIP Ann and her Dad found my mother's tombstone at Oakwood Cemetary and Ann recognized my name and got in touch and started visiting Dad in the hospital. They bonded immediately and enjoyed stories of Ireland, music, laughter and as Dad got better, he played for Ann on trumpet and sax and they even danced a time or two!
Mairead O' Halloran who comes from County Clare was introduced to us by an old friend, Patricia O'Herlihy.
Mairead provided professional advice and compassionate care both while Dad was in the hospital and at home. We are grateful for the gift of Mairead's friendship.
Likewise, Patricia came both to the hospital and to our home to visit and be with Dad. Dad and Patricia enjoy talking about the old days in Ireland and about her early days in the U.S. when she lived in our home. Patricia and my mother, Bridie, who is now in heaven, were good friends. We appreciate Patricia's caring and concern. Patricia prepared a wonderful surprise for Dad when he was in the hospital. She told her friend Dan Hallissey, who is a great musician and friend of Dad's from County Cork, about Dad's illness. Dan drove all the way to VA. to play a concert for Dad in the hospital. Dan's music lifted the spirits of Dad and everyone who heard him on the seventh floor of the hospital! When Dad returned home, Dan returned again. This time Dad was feeling much better and was able to join him in playing their favorite Irish and popular music. Mairead, Patricia, Dan and his daughter Michele were present at one of these gatherings. These are the photos in the slide show.
So, on this Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks to God and to all our family (my brothers, Patrick and Sean were present in the hospital every day to help with Dad's meals and care at home). Nancy , my sisiter-in-law baked Dad's favorite Irish bread. Danny and Katie, his grandchildren also were regular visitors.
We love you all and pray for you each day.
Jack and Bridget Mary Meehan