http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0SJvTtw_n8&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Eulogy for Jack Meehan/G-Man by Granddaughter Katie Meehan
When thinking of the numerous stories to share, I realized
that my grandfather, lovingly nicknamed G-man by my brother, Danny, and I,
would have undoubtedly and inevitably told a story about Ireland. Most of his
tales took place in old Ireland, in Rathdowney or Coolkerry. They usually
involved a few staple characters- Jimmy, who curtly barked and demanded favors
of everyone. Little Johnny who whined to his “mam” in the most annoying nasal
voice. And Mrs. McCarthy, who still lives just down the road, who wore a shawl
and participated in good-natured but silly gossip with a shrill cackle, her
words drawn-out and carried a particularly strong Irish accent. I’ll never know
if they actually existed in real life…these characters. I never asked because
that would have stifled the magic. His elaborations and additions were the best
part of every story he told.
Charles Haughey Taoiseach once said, “Ireland is where
strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” My grandfather certainly
thought so. My childhood revolved around chronicles of temperamental fairies,
begrudging leprechauns, mischievous badgers and haunting banshees. Interestingly
enough, in his versions, the banshee resembled a ghost with a playful side. I
did not learn until years later that banshees possess no such fun streak. Every
time Danny and I went to visit, Grandpa would turn off all the lights and don a
creased white sheet. For the next half hour, he would chase us around his ranch
style home wailing and moaning as Danny, Aunt Mary and I would furiously race
and bump through furniture in a fit of giggles, clutching bulky flashlights and
turning back time and again to witness the banshee doggedly hovering several
lengths behind us. When punishment for capture was exacted, the unlucky child
would realize that the menacing banshee was little more than a glorified tickle
monster.
My grandfather possessed such a passion for life and his
vivaciousness lives on in each of our memories. At his grandniece’s wedding in
Ireland four years ago, my grandfather was reunited with his younger sister,
Tess, and spent the entire service gossiping and giggling with her like a
little kid. My aunt Mary, his daughter, shot him her intimidating IHM glare.
Not missing a beat, Grandpa tilted his head, smiled sweetly at her and elbowed
me in the ribs gently. Unabashed, he then proceeded to make a show of hushing
my friend, Ellen, and me, as we were obediently and quietly sitting through the
mass, minding our own business. Later in the service, he turned to Ellen and me
and inquired rather stridently, “Who is this? I can’t understand a damn word
he’s saying? Are you listening? What did he say?” The man in question was his
grandnephew who was raised in England and thus, had an English country accent.
The man also happened to be the officiating priest at the wedding. Aunt Mary
stared at him incredulously, open mouthed, as Ellen and I burst into a fit of
laughter and my Great aunt Tess shared a conspiratorial smile. Who wouldn’t
have fallen in love with him at that moment? He was the pure embodiment of
life, love and good old Irish humor.
But what story about Jack Meehan would be complete without a
mention of music? His storytelling prowess was matched and exceeded only by his
musical abilities. Even as young children, we sat on a mountain of pillows for
hours, transfixed by the majesty of a wrinkled, old man swaying to the notes
from a brassy, old trumpet. When I hosted pool parties for my middle school
friends, I paraded him around like a celebrity, suggesting and even demanding
old tunes and classics for him to play on command. I remember Danny and I
showing him off to our classes on Saint Patrick’s Day at school, “Notice the Irish
accent, it’s real” “Say something, Grandpa!” “Play When Irish eyes are
smiling!” The chatting and playing would stop as soon as the music began; the
world came to a standstill every time he gingerly lifted that trumpet or sax to
his dry, pursed lips. He really came to life playing his music. His cloudy gray
eyes began to twinkle and glitter as his knobby fingers glided effortlessly up
and down the horn with two or three efficient flicks of the wrist. The passion,
respect and love he shared with the world every waking moment of his life
emanated from his horns. You can still hear it on old recordings if you listen
closely enough… it’s still there.
He played for the best of them but still remained humble. During
a visit to Ireland, G-man spent an hour or so teaching Danny and me how to
stack the turf in the bog and didn’t pause for a second in his stories about
life in the country- he whispered tales of how he’d painted his face with shoe
polish one All Saint’s Day and couldn’t remove the black for weeks, when he and
the Ballyroan band had been on the road and the piano had caught fire (which surprisingly
happened on two separate occasions), how he’d sneak in and listen to his
father’s violin lessons from the window outside their three-room cottage, how
he’d met and fell instantly in love with his adoring wife of 50 odd years one
day while riding to work on his creaky red bicycle. I could really go on for
hours…
He was an amazingly gifted man. My grandfather had an
uncanny knack for storytelling, a gripping and powerful control over music and
a compassionate heart. Each and every one of his numerous gifts shared one
common bond: the ability to brighten someone’s day and spread joy to all those
around him.
Today, I shared a few stories about my grandfather with you because
above all, he taught me of the importance of a well-timed pause, an arsenal of
adjectives and a strong hint of humor.
A long, long, long, long, long time ago my grandfather told
me a story. A story that has been engrained in me- has become a part of my very
existence since he first uttered those oft-repeated words. This story was not
of one particular, singular experience, but rather was the history of my
family, the heritage of his dreams and a testament to enduring love.
I’ll cling to his stories because they are and always will
be my favorite part of him. I can’t promise to pass them ALL along or retell
them with such vivacity and flavor but just knowing and appreciating them
should be enough to honor him and those who passed on before him.
I wish I had more time to share these stories with you. I
wish he could say a few of his wonderful words. But his memory is served well
by your love and support. I don’t know how you all will remember him but I’ll
never forget that lilting Irish accent, those smiling Irish eyes and these
wonderful stories- his present, past and future- which I now must call my own.
Thank you.
(Katie Meehan, Granddaughter)
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Today We Celebrated Jack Meehan's Life/Funeral in Falls Church
Almost two hundred people attended the celebration of Jack Meehan's life in Falls Church on Friday and Saturday.
Mourners watched a beautiful slide how of photos of cherished memories while Jack's music played in the background. On Friday we had a prayer service which included a scripture reading, prayers, a time of open sharing and a touching tribute/eulogy by Grandaughter Katie, the reading of a letter of commendation by the Irish Ambassador for Jack's major musical contributions.
I presided at the Wake and Funeral Services. Jack's granddaughter, Katie, delivered a touching eulogy at both services about the magic of growing up with Grandpa and his stories of Ireland. The legacy of his mystical, humorous tales of banshees, fairies and real people that occured a long, long time ago will live on in the hearts of Katie and Danny and all of us for years to come.
At the funeral on Saturday, family members and friends carried up symbols from Jack's life including trumpet, wrench, a cottage music box, photos. The service included beautiful readings from scripure, prayers, and recordings of Jack playing on trumpet and sax some of his favorite spirituals: "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace," "Peace if flowing like a River", and "When the Saints go Marching in".
We are grateful for all the prayers and message of sympathy that our family received from all over the United States, Latin America, Ireland and Australia.
Mourners watched a beautiful slide how of photos of cherished memories while Jack's music played in the background. On Friday we had a prayer service which included a scripture reading, prayers, a time of open sharing and a touching tribute/eulogy by Grandaughter Katie, the reading of a letter of commendation by the Irish Ambassador for Jack's major musical contributions.
I presided at the Wake and Funeral Services. Jack's granddaughter, Katie, delivered a touching eulogy at both services about the magic of growing up with Grandpa and his stories of Ireland. The legacy of his mystical, humorous tales of banshees, fairies and real people that occured a long, long time ago will live on in the hearts of Katie and Danny and all of us for years to come.
At the funeral on Saturday, family members and friends carried up symbols from Jack's life including trumpet, wrench, a cottage music box, photos. The service included beautiful readings from scripure, prayers, and recordings of Jack playing on trumpet and sax some of his favorite spirituals: "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace," "Peace if flowing like a River", and "When the Saints go Marching in".
We are grateful for all the prayers and message of sympathy that our family received from all over the United States, Latin America, Ireland and Australia.
Friday, November 30, 2012
“In the Arms of Family Forever” by Dr. Judy Lee/ Today We Celebrate Jack Meehan's Life, Wake at Everly Community Funeral Home, 2-4PM, 6-8PM
Born in Ballyroan
In County Laois
Rooted in Ireland,
Rooted in love,
Rooted in Christ
Rooted in music-
Strong in the roots,
Intertwined in the
Branches and the
Beautiful blossoms
Growing, making
New in Katie and in Danny
Born of the love of Sean and Nancy
Nurtured by them
and Jack and Bridie,
Grandpa and Grandma,
and Aunt Mary too
and Uncle Patrick and Val,
and Aunt Molly too-
as well as timid
beautiful Molly
their dog after
beloved Belle
and Shep and Candy,
All the family of Jack,
and he was so proud
of each one,
and of Mary, his Sister, daughter and
priest.
And all the family of Jack
Were by his side
Day and night
In shifts and
All together,
praying, crying,
laughing, waking
loving, loving
loving him, their gentle love.
And the first time
they were told
God was calling
They waked him
So good, he began
To eat and live again.
He moved his toes to the tunes of
the Ballyroan Band
And squeezed their
hands to the tune of his
Memory Aires, his
trumpet and his sax
for he was music, and music cannot
die.
And yes he hummed
To the Rose of Mooncoin
and is free in Inishfree.
And while his homes were in Coolkerry
and
Northern Virginia
He would go Back
Home to Indiana with dear
Nancy who lovingly,
with friend Dawn
Fed them all.
And remember his
Beloved Bridie Beale
With In the Mood
And let me call you Sweetheart,
And all the family and dear friends
With Irish eyes are
Smiling and
Danny Boy,
So for them
Happy days were
here with him
and they will come again
when he blares it
out and gathers them in, with him,
when the Saints Go Marchin’ In.
(Dr. Judy Lee, 11/8/12)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
“Living Love” - For Mary Bridget and Dad, Jack by Dr. Judy Lee
Jack and Bridget Mary, after home church liturgy in Aug. 2012 |
“Living Love” - For Mary Bridget and Dad, Jack
She has become
Holy Mother Mary
becomes
The Pieta
becomes receiver
of the broken body,
still singing his
song within
the moans,
still playing
his trumpet
with his fingers
while his
music plays
in the background.
She smiles, she,
now Holy
Mother Mary.
She holds, She hugs,
She kisses and cajoles
She dances,
and every once in a while
he strings some words
together and, almost
smiles and dreams.
Miles to go, and she will go,
And they will go together.
Love.
(Dr. Judy Lee, 11/8/12)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Jack Meehan Died on Sat. Nov. 24th/Wake and Funeral Will Be Held in Falls Church, VA.
"Down the corridor of time has travelled a man...whose Life and Spirit have changed our lives...and shaped our history with musicalutterances that touched our hearts.”
"When Saints Go Marchin In"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bjl6Eke4Ac&feature=youtu.be
"Rose of Mooncoin" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVysE9BkBqc
Our family is grateful for the outpouring of prayers and loving support from so many people who loved Dad and enjoyed his fabulous music. We will miss him more than words can say, but his spirit and music will live forever. May the road rise up to meet you, Dad, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm on your face, the rain fall softly on your fields and, until we meet again may God hold you in loving embrace!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
www.arcwp.org
sofiabmm@aol.com
"When Saints Go Marchin In"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bjl6Eke4Ac&feature=youtu.be
"Rose of Mooncoin" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVysE9BkBqc
Jack Meehan of Falls Church passed away peacefully at home with family members at his side after a long illness on November 24, 2012. He was born on October 4, 1924, in Ballyroan, County Laois, Ireland. Jack was married September 25, 1946, to Bridie Beale, who preceded him in death. Jack was the beloved father of Sean, Patrick, and Bridget Mary. The family immigrated to the United States in 1956. A gifted musician, Jack played trumpet and saxophone and he and his band entertained in the DC area for over 40 years. His band was the house band for Army-Navy Country Club for over 20 years and also performed for three US Presidents (Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon) as well as at Congressional and embassy functions. Jack retired from the Brookings Institution in 1991 after 30 years of faithful service. Along with his children, Jack is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Katie and Danny, and his daughters-in-law, Nancy and Valerie, as well as many family members and friends in Ireland, England and Australia as well as the US. Services will be held at Everly Funeral Home, 6161 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Viewing from 2-4PM, 6-8PM on Friday, November 30. Funeral in Everly Funeral Chapel at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 1, followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Falls Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to Capital Caring Hospice, 950 North Glebe Road, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22203.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
We Give Thanks for Dad/Jack Meehan/Clip and Pics from Oct. 2012 Liturgy
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=If3kZNnuilY
After a joyful house liturgy in Nov. 2012, we listened to Dad's favourite music. Maricia Tibbetts, Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont, Marianne Smyth, and Joleane Presley, Jackie, Judy and Marianne's cousin, and Comfort Boadu, Dad's care-giver celebrated a beautiful liturgy and we anointed Dad with holy oil /Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
After a joyful house liturgy in Nov. 2012, we listened to Dad's favourite music. Maricia Tibbetts, Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont, Marianne Smyth, and Joleane Presley, Jackie, Judy and Marianne's cousin, and Comfort Boadu, Dad's care-giver celebrated a beautiful liturgy and we anointed Dad with holy oil /Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Jack Meehan in Prayer Circle at Recent Sunday Liturgy
Saturday, November 10, 2012
'And the Angels Came" by Dr. Judy Lee
“And the Angels Came”
For the singing
and the moaning
and the caring,
for the caring of a gentle happy, caring man.
God’s own Gabriel on the horn,
He played so sweet.
And they washed him
sometimes with tears,
And they fed him
with Mother love,
And they lifted,
And they washed him
And they ministered
And laughed, Yes
they laughed and
brought his slight
smile and tapping
to the songs they sang.
The sun would shine.
They danced with him
And Mary who
could dance through silent tears.
They came because
they were sent by
our loving Mother God
to care for this
beloved father
and Gran’Pa.
They called him
Papa, for in
Mother Africa all
are family ,
And in Christ
all are One.
Comfort and
Lillian from Ghana,
Memunata, “Mona”
and Saidu from
Sierra Leone.
These are the angels
sent by God from
Africa to Jack Meehan,
son of Ireland forever.
So now there is an
African- Irish-American
family that will
last forever in our hearts
with Jack.
( by Dr. Judy Lee, 11/8/12)
Comfort Boadu |
Lillain King |
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Meehan Family Celebrates Jack's and Friend Dawn's Birthdays on Oct. 7, 2012
We enjoyed every bite of steak, stuffed shrimp, baked potates, sweet potates, onions, mushrooms, corn, salad, Korn bread, ice cream and "birdie" cake. Dad watched part of the football game. He received great gifts of a fabulous headset to listen to his music, Redskins' shirt and blanket and a warm sweater! We give God thanks for Dad's 88 years of life and for our dear friend, Dawn, who has been a special member of our family for years!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Meet Jack Meehan's Outstanding Caregivers:Lily, Comfort and Mona
Lillian takes care of Dad in the evenings during the weekdays |
Comfort takes care of Dad on the weekends. |
Mona takes care of Dad in the morning.. We are grateful for this great team of Certified Nursing Assistants who are taking excellent care of Jack. |
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Meehan Family Gathers for Labor Day Cookout/We Give Thanks for Prayerful Support of Dad and our Family
Grilling Team: Meehan Men |
Family Enjoys Feast: All diets out the window! |
Katie and A. Mary |
Nancy and Dawn with Tasty Desserts: Rhubarb pies and Peach Pastry: YUM! |
Comfort taking care of "Papa" |
Another Delicious Feast:Thanks to Nancy, Dawn, and Sean |
Sean grilled steaks, Dawn cooked salmon and Nancy cooked a delicious meal of "half baked, stuffed potatoes, asparagus, several salads and awesome rhubarb pie and peach pastry. Yum! After dessert, the women watched the Mighty Macs, a movie about the national title winning Immaculata Women's Basketball team!
Comfort, our CNA, provided personal care for Dad and the Hospice Nurse came out to readjust medicine to help Dad feel better. Nancy and Dawn provided a week's worth of meals for Dad and me! Thank God for our family!
Each Sunday during the summer season our family has gathered in loving support of Dad and shared a family meal. We are grateful for the many blessings this gathering has brought to all of us!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Slideshow of Jack Meehan with Family Pics. Set to "Amazing Grace"
We give thanks for Dad's great gift of music and for the joy it has brought to thousands of people including his family and friends who have enjoyed listening and dancing to his music over the years. He has played trumpet, sax and trombone for 75 years. He started at age 12 as the youngest member of the Ballyraon Band and his last gig in N.VA. was a member of the Army-Navy Country Club's House Band for 20 years.
Enjoy this great dixieland rendition of "Amazing Grace" played with one of his favourite cds.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sean Meehan with Coach Mike Shanihan of the Washington Redskins
Friday, August 10, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Dad at home in Falls Church/Liturgy with ARCWP Priests Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont on Aug. 5, 2012
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