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THE CELTIC CONNECTION • MAY 1992
MR. O'NANYMOUS
Ya know, the loneliest thing in the world to be without is light, yes, electricity! About 34 years ago or so, I was in my house and it was dark. In fact, black. I was about eight years old at the time. I found meself in the middle of the stairs, half way up of course, and scared out of me wits. To get to the top was my choice, eventually I made it, just like "Indiana Jones."
My destination? The front bedroom where me Ma was sitting on the edge of one of the three beds in front of the window, staring out. At her feet was a white candle, flickering away, creating all kinds of shadows dancing in the room. I felt every bit of her pain in her head, "What am I going ta do...he's going ta kill me."
Rather than sneak into the room, I wanted to make my presence
My Plot Would Tear Us Apart
It's never too late, too late to do anything,
whether ye start a
huge corporation, a small cleaning company
or an Irish lending
institute
known. I said in the lowest loudest whisper "Mammy!" She jumped out of her skin. Before she had time to say anything, I was at her side like a dirty shirt. I felt for her, I knew what she was going through, the lights had been cut off. Nothing to pawn, not even for a loaf of bread. Just what in the name of Jesus was she going to do to pay the electrical bill.
Ma said in a loud commanding whisper "Wha are you doin here! Get downstairs quick, before yer da gets home or you'll be the detriment of me!" Now whatever that means, I don't know but I clinched on to her knee and didn't care. I held on for dear life and love.
Well, three weeks ago, in fact 34 years later, I had a plan. I wasn't feeling too great at the time. My ninth wedding anniversary coming up and four children later. I never did anything for me woman except bitch, scream, roar, hate, temper tantrums and the like.
It's never too late, too late to do anything, whether ye start a huge corporation, a small clean-ing company (The Dublin Corpo.) or an Irish lending institute. Who cares except me, I
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took it to heart. I started out inquiring: Where can I dine and dance, where's a good place to take me "moh" (girl) for a "gargle" (drink). Wnatcanldo for this girl — where am I going to take this woman I've been with for a total of ten and a half years!
Well, me mind as it is, started wondering, what will I do. Maybe I'll take her away for the weekend. Harrison Hot Springs — oh wait — Whistler! Yes, that's it, Whistler. We can dine, dance and ski. Something we would both enjoy doing together.
I thought to meself, that's the plan. No sooner had I finished scheming this idea, when out the window it flew. The time in mind was the Easter weekend and with four chocolate-loving kids (two boys and two girls) it was simply out of the question.
There I was, scrambling again. Then a real economical idea, dinner somewhere, our duvet, a couple of pillows and an overnight stay in our van by the beach. How cheap and possibly chilly for me. OK, let me think. Yes, dinner in a nice restaurant, a nightclub in Gastown to do the Fred and Ginger bit and the best hotel room in downtown Vancouver to cap the night off.
Wednesday, April 15, I found the hotel room — a real beauty. The manager took me up to show me what I was getting. I ordered a table and two chairs by the window, a champagne bucket and of course, flowers.
There was tension between us that
morning. I didn't
know how our feelings towards each other were.
With all in order, I left the hotel feeling quite pleased with myself. Next step, April 16, the Big Day. I took the day off work to go shopping.
There was tension between us that morning. I didn't know how our feelings towards each other were. No matter what, the plan was going ahead — I started something and was determined to finish. It was either going to tear us apart or bring us together after a year-long tug of war (the seven-year itch perhaps).
I asked my wife "What would you like tonight?" "Let's go out for dinner, and maybe" said she "We can bring a blanket and stay at the beach." I grinned to myself — she had no idea.
"Yeah, let's do that, good idea!" said I.
So out the door I go, shopping. The first stop for candles (pink and blue ones), candleholders and all. Next a check on the room — it looked great. Then, across town to the deli, where I picked up some cheeses, bread, fox and a jar of the best caviar. Then, on I go to the liquor store
— two bottles of pink champagne (my wife's favourite). Next, the flower shop for roses and orchids. Then, lo and behold, I nearly forgot the cham-pagneglasses. Two crystal keepsakes to remind us of whatever way this night would end up — my doubts were running high
— a tough bet for any gambler.
We were dressed by seven and out the door to dinner at "1066" (a restaurant on West Hastings Street). A beautiful table by the fireplace.
As we got into the car, my wife suggested we go home for the candelabra and duvet.
-- -hiV. fit — ^rTooe avovi
While we chatted, the plan was taking place. Ya see, I nad hidden all the flowers and stuff at a neighbour's house 'till we left. My sister-in-law, Laura, who was in from Calgary for spring break and my two good friends and neighbours, Paul and Suzette, were dressing up the room with lots of candles, roses, food and champagne.
We broke the ice, a nice evening so far. As we got into the car,
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