The Daltaí Boards: A Father's Reward

I just had to post this. Please forgive me for my rather self-indulgent moment, but I think most will understand.

I am a divorced Dad who gets precious little time with my one and only daughter. Much to her frustration, I am sure, I make every attempt to expose her to things mentally stimulating. Camping trips turn to nature lessons, doctor visits become biology lessons and so on. After my trip to Ireland, I began to expose her to what little Irish I was able to. On the hour long ride from her Mom's house to mine we spend a bit of time listening to Buntus Cainte tapes and I try to spend about an hour or so per visit reviewing the book with the tapes. This, of course, only lasts as long as it takes for me to see utter boredom and frustration written all over her 10 year old face. But, I firmly believe that we (Americans)are the most singly monoglotic group on this planet and I find that deplorable. So, I persist in my efforts, both personal and paternal.

Yesterday, as we were traveling through the rural areas of our state, hard hit by drought, in one of those periods of awkward silence that often occurs between pre-pubescent girls and their fathers, my dear little angel looked at me and said, "Tá se tirim, Daddy."

I just about ran off of the road! After regaining my composure I responded with "Tá se tirim agus tá se té, friesin." (Thereby exhausting my linguistic

Keep at it gents, (and ladies) the kids aren't hopeless and your efforts are not in vain.

Thanks again for indulging my paternal pride. I'm sure this crowd knows from whence it comes.

Le meas,

James