Tim was partially right. Although my choir director buddy Allen Bean from Good Shepard Episcopal Church and I went to O’ Tooles and sat frequently at the booth with the McGuire family crest on our weekly sojourn to the pub in Richmond, VA after choir practice- it wasn’t until about 2004 when I joined the band with Timmy that I fully embraced my heritage. Tim would have loved the bells and smells mass today as we celebrated his life. One of our two girl singers in our band was the Cantor and not only did we do St. Patrick’s Breastplate as the processional, but she did a solo Celtic blessing in Gaelic and another in Latin. Provincially the article I sent to the paper weeks ago was printed today as was the re opening of our favorite pub ( the two owners -one in a fireman’s kilt - and my favorite bartender are in the pics shown). I couldn’t have ever anticipated a better celebration of my very best friends life! A long tearful celebratory day. OOTD Black linen blazer Orvis Waxed Cotton blackwatch waste coat White silk pocket square Black silk tie Grey flannel trousers Black Byford OTC socks J Fitzpatrick captoes 1949’s Bulova Watch. https://www.claremoreprogress.com/news/farewell-to-the-worlds-largest-leprechaun/article_42394c03-33fa-4848-832e-cedcf1a56f86.html

Tomorrow is the funeral mass for my best buddy Tim. Today is a funeral for the mother in law of Tim and my favorite Irish pub owner. I made a promise to finish the three things Tim left me alone to accomplish when he passed away One: save the pub Two write our book Three do our final (of about 6) album with nothing but originals we wrote. For about sixty hours over the past few weeks I’ve been helping the owners of the pub to re structure their business. I think we made some major headway yesterday on the pub. Book and album to go. OOTD MTM grey suit Oct 1985 White shirt White silk PS Navy and deep plumb rep tie circa 1982 Black J Fitzpatrick captoes Black Byford otc merino wool socks 1940’s Bulova watch

Sorry if I ruin the Holiday spirit for anyone, but this needs to be said. So here I go! The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many veterans, it can intensify feelings of isolation, grief, and psychological pain. Memories tied to loss, combat, or disrupted family relationships can surface more strongly during this period, especially when social expectations emphasize happiness. Preventing veteran suicide during the holidays, therefore, requires not grand gestures but sustained human connection, understanding, and practical support. One of the most powerful actions people can take is to stay present. Veterans struggling with depression or post-traumatic stress may withdraw, believing they are a burden or that others cannot understand their experiences. Regular check-ins—calls, messages, or invitations without pressure—can counteract this isolation. Consistency matters more than perfection; knowing that someone remembers and cares can provide a crucial anchor during difficult moments. Equally important is listening without judgment. Well-intentioned advice or attempts to “fix” emotional pain can unintentionally shut down conversation. Instead, offering empathy and allowing veterans to speak openly about their experiences helps reduce feelings of invisibility. Being heard affirms dignity and reinforces the idea that their struggles are valid and worthy of care. Practical support also plays a significant role. Financial strain, transportation challenges, or difficulty managing daily tasks can become overwhelming, particularly during the holidays. Offering help with meals, errands, or logistics may seem small, but it can relieve stress that contributes to emotional crises. These acts communicate solidarity in tangible ways. Finally, people can help by encouraging professional support and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care. Framing help-seeking as an act of strength rather than weakness aligns with values many veterans respect. Knowing where to find resources and helping people access them can make the difference between reaching out and remaining silent.