“You haven’t joined us for one of these in a long time,” Mr. O’Connor said.
“This isn’t an ordinary goodbye. It needs to be done right.”
In a whisper, Sophie said, “I don’t think anyone expected him to come.”
Burke certainly hadn’t. “It seems Emma means more to him than even she realized.”
“But to realize that only now that she’s leaving…” Sophie sighed.
“At least she knows,” he said. “I think it was important that she does.”
“Best start us off, Tavish,” Mr. O’Connor said. “Choose a tune, and we’ll join you.”
Emotion touched the faces around them. Burke hadn’t experienced one of these farewells for himself, but he could tell it was something important, something personal.
In a clear and strong voice, Tavish began to sing.
Of all the comrades that e’er I had,
They’re sorry for my goin’ away.
Patrick joined in.
And all the sweethearts that e’er I had,
They’d wish me one more day to stay.
More of the family added their voices.
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not,
There was a pause, and then Finbarr, alone, continued.
I’ll gently rise and softly call,
“Good night and joy be to you all.”
Emma wiped away a tear as the O’Connor family continued on as one.
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health what e’er befalls.
Then gently rise and softly call,
“Good night and joy be to you all.”
Tears flowed openly around the room. Finbarr had not joined in anything for years, and there he was, among his family, bidding farewell to the nearly grown little girl he’d once loved. Joseph and Katie put their arms around their daughter as the singing continued. This would be a difficult parting, and no one could be certain when they would be reunited. Or if they even would be.
Burke tucked Sophie into a true hug and could feel her emotions as well. No one watching the scene could possibly be unmoved. He kissed the top of her head, then leaned his head against hers.
“Farewells are always so difficult,” she said quietly.
“Then let’s not ever make any,” he said. “Let’s promise each other forever. No goodbyes. No partings.”
“Agreed.” She looked up at him, her smile genuinely happy despite the tears.
