Goodbye Tommy Makem
Uncategorized, Current Affairs August 6th, 2007I saw Tommy Makem in concert two years ago and loved it. In addition to playing great music, he was an all around entertainer, cracking jokes and telling stories. I was supposed to see him in concert again yesterday at the Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival and imagine my shock when I visited their website on Thursday and noticed his concert had been changed to a “Tribute to Tommy Makem.” The tribute was well done with some great memories and renditions. However, it wasn’t the same without Tommy there. He will be sorely missed. Some of my favorite Makem songs include Red is the Rose, Willie McBride, Four Green Fields, and Bread and Fishes. I’ll leave you with a quote from the latter:
Sadly, I left them, in an old country lane
For I knew that I never would see them again
One was an old man, the second a maid
And the third was a young boy who smiled as he said:
We’ve the wind in the willows, and the birds in the sky
We’ve a bright sun to warm us, where ever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Passed 8-01-07 Cancer IN NH. Yes Four Green Fields and some of the other greats were Farewell to Carlingfor, Gentle Annie, The Winds Are Singing Freedom. A great loss of one of the best folk singers…a real and gentle soul…May he be in peace, Amen.
August 25th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
SAVED BY GRACE
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 2004, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages . God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
PEACE BE WITH YOU
MICKY