Mary

These excerpts of Mary's sayings might be best enjoyed with a glass of Guinness or Writers’ Tears' Irish Whiskey before a crackling fire. If none of those things appeal or aren't readily available, try listening to my WEB OF LEGACIES playlist (click here). 

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MARY KANE ST. JOHN: 1825 - 1916

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Mary serves as mentor to protagonists Mairéad, Peggy, Margaret, and Margot and through her humanity, wisdom, and humor expresses many of the novel’s themes about the enduring power of love, family, friendship, optimism, and grit. Even though Mary is not a protagonist, she is my favorite character by far! I was truly sad my novel’s historical scope extended beyond Mary’s lifespan. I wish I was as wise as Mary! But I am blessed to have known many people who inspired her. Please enjoy Mary’s “sayings” and let me know if any of her words of wisdom give you a bit of lift, perspective, insight, or comfort.

 

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A Few Words from Mary...

 

"Folks who don’t know their past topple in strong winds like hawthorn trees with shallow roots."

 

"Laughin’s the best way to keep life’s hardships from loiterin’ when they knock upon yer door,

and hardship comes knockin’ on everyone’s door, so ye mustn’t forget to laugh."

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"With so many souls greetin’ Saint Peter before their time, family lore’s bein’ lost, so ye must keep it alive in yer wee ones."

 

"God bless ye and the divil miss ye."

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"I think readin' comes hard for some, but yer smart as a whip, Mairéad Murphy, and ye've the soul of a poet, a special way of seein' things. There's a fire within ye, too. Just need to stir the embers to find yer courage."

 

"Havin’ the right doesn’t make it right."

 

"‘Tis a mystery, Peggy, how dark twists of fate can have silver linings."

 

"That’s enough wallowin’ in life’s trials. Remember, Peggy, ye must temper yer sadness with gladness."

 

"‘Tis hot enough to roast old Tom turkey in his tracks."

 

"‘Tis a keepsake to help ye remember who ye are and who and where ye come from."

 

"If the good Lord blesses ye with children, Peggy, ye must not allow them to be rootless in the wind."

  

"We cannot undo what’s past, but we can do somethin’ about yer future. We cannot leave ye here any longer, Peggy. ‘Tis a boilin’ cauldron ready to explode."

  

"Suffocatin’ a child with too much love is as bad as neglectin’ to love enough."

 

"Time cannot mend all the wounds ye suffered, but by and by, the torment ye feel won’t be knockin’ at your door every minute of every day."

 

"Tis the future that awaits ye, Peggy. Ye must walk bravely toward it now. Forgivin’ yerself is the first step."

 

"They put a lighthouse out near those ledges to warn sailors of the danger. But I like thinkin’ the light also shines for all those poor souls who’ve lost their lives out there in the waves … like our Mairéad and Daniel."

 

"Ye must hold fast to who and where ye come from. ‘Tis a beacon, like that light out there, that’ll guide ye in the uncertain future."

 

“‘Tis times like this we see how blessed we are to be part of such a grand tapestry of friends and family. ‘Tis a treasure ye must cherish over the years. Weave in yer own lovin’ threads. Mend the fabric when it frays. If ye keep it strong, it’ll bring ye through thick and thin. Aye, we miss those who’re departed and can’t be with us tonight—my Jamie, Peggy’s Robert, others dear to our hearts—but never forget, their livin’ threads are woven through all of ye sittn’ here.”

 

"Peggy, girl, ye’re always close to this old heart and … ye’re part of this grand tapestry, dear. Our hearts are entwined, as sure as the sun rises every mornin’ and as sure as the sea casts waves from afar upon our beach day and night—waves that sometimes bear gifts such as ye."

 

"Child, I see ye’r still pursuin’ the folly ye began chasin’ as a girl. Do ye not see how triflin’ all that is, Margie? Ye still have time to right yer ship, darlin’, but I fear ye’r gettin’ perilously close to wreckin’ on shoals of yer own makin’."

 

"Sorry dear. Sometimes an old woman is obliged to speak her mind without all the embroidery because time is ebbin’.”

  

"Peggy, darlin’ girl, I’m proud of ye. High time ye slipped the moorin’ of that burden of guilt ye been carryin’ all those years."

 

"Remember, Margie, girl, ye still have time to right yer ship.”

 

"I’m proud of ye, darlin’. Glad ye made peace with yerself.”

 

Common Sayings Mary Likes to Repeat:

 

“When God closes a door, He opens a window.”

 

“Things turn out the best for folks who make the best of the way things turn out.”