Transcript

Kilkelly Ireland, 1890.

My dear and loving son John,

I suppose that I must be close on eighty – it’s thirty years since you’re gone.

Because of all of the money you sent me,

I’m still living out on my own.

Michael has built himself a fine house, and Brigitte’s daughters have grown.

And thank you for sending your family picture,

Your lovely young women and men.

You say that you might even come for a visit,

Oh what joy to see you again.

Kilkelly Ireland, 1892.

My dear brother John,

I’m sorry I didn’t write sooner to tell you, but father has gone.

He was living with Brigitte – she says he was cheerful

And healthy right down to the end.

You should have seen him playing with the grandchildren of Pat McNamarra your friend.

And we buried him alongside of mother, down at the Kilkelly church yard.

He was a strong and a feisty old man – considering his life was so hard.

And it’s funny the way he kept talking about you –

He called for you at the end.

Oh why don’t you think about coming to visit,

We’d all love to see you again?