Retrospect – A Tale Of Five Cities
By Kevin J. W. Driscoll (c) 2025
In the lush, green hills of Connemara, Ireland, My father’s mother Mary was born into a world where myths and reality intertwined. Her heart was filled with the ancient stories of her ancestors, and she spent her days immersed in the rich traditions of her homeland.
Across that country, in the bustling southwestern port city of Cork, my father’s father William came into the world with a spirited heart and a sense of adventure.
Though Mary and William lived in different corners of Ireland and would probably never have met, fate had other plans for them.
In the 1920s, both of them sought new opportunities and immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts. The bustling streets of Boston became the backdrop for their chance encounter, where the rhythms of the city intertwined with the melodies of their hearts. It was at a local gathering place, celebrating their shared Irish heritage, where William’s charming stories captivated the crowd and Mary’s enchanting presence stood out.
Their eyes met across the room, and an instant connection sparked between them. They spent the evening sharing stories and dreams, discovering a bond that bridged the distance between Connemara and Cork. Their love story blossomed in Boston, where they married and had two sons, one of whom (my father) was named William after his father.
Meanwhile, across the border in Canada, Emil (my mother’s father) was born in Toronto, filled with the promise of new horizons. In the vibrant city of Montreal, Doris (my mother’s mother) was born with a passion for life and a spirit of exploration.
Though their paths never crossed in Canada, destiny brought them to Providence, Rhode Island. In this charming city, Emil and Doris met and fell in love, sharing dreams of a future together. Back then anyone could take a bus from Toronto and Montreal to Providence with no immigration papers and both did and settled into their new life.
They married and eventually moved to Boston, where they had children – the first of whom was Joyce my mother.
Later in Boston, my father William, William and Mary’s son, met my mother Joyce, Emil and Doris’ daughter. Their union continued the legacy of serendipitous encounters that spanned continents and cities. Eventually, William and Joyce had a children, the middle one, whose story is this testament to – is me. The magic of destiny and the power of love to bridge the gaps between worlds otherwise far apart.
This is my tale of five cities, where love, fate, and dreams converged to create a family legacy that transcended oceans and country borders.
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Kevin Driscoll(Mostly) Vegetarian, Politically Progressive, Daily Runner, Spiritual, Helpful, Friendly, Kind, Warm Hearted and Forgiving. Resident of Braintree MA.
