The Triumph of Faith

When you want something, do you believe you deserve it? Or do you think good things can’t happen to you? Whenever you think you’re not worthy or it is useless to believe anything good will ever happen to you, you are accepting limiting beliefs. Thoughts shape your reality, especially when your feelings are believing the worst too! Nothing can change in that mind state! When awful things happen, it is easy for fear to overshadow and take over any measures of hope you may have had.

Today’s Story is about Blanche, who was an Irish girl, living during “The Potato Famine” from 1845 to 1852. Those seven years were an awful time in Irish history when a million people died from starvation and disease. Many emigrated to England and the United States for survival.

* * *

In 1850, eleven-year-old Blanche, leaves the burial site of her father. Brushing away tears on her freckled face, her red hair blows freely in the breeze, while her mind is transfixed. Will I die too, now that Pappy’s gone. Is this my fate?

Coming up the path is Fr. Paddy. Despite the funeral, his face has a slight glow. He excitedly tells Blanche he has “Good News.” He tells her about a family in New York wishing to hire her as an indentured servant. The ship leaves tomorrow, so she must decide today.

In her numb state, Blanche’s expression doesn’t match that of the clergyman’s. Leave Cork! The prospect of leaving the green of Ireland to live with a strange family miles away doesn’t ignite a spark of kindness in her heart. Instead, Blanche glares at the man in disbelief, feeling the pangs of leaving Cork, a place dear to her.

“Father Paddy, how am I going to fit into such a strange place with a family I don’t even know?” She asks the priest in a thick Irish brogue.

“Child, I wouldn’t bring this up at such a delicate time, but facts are facts, and you need to face them quick.” The priest tells her.

Blanche stares at him, her heart torn. Tears streak her face.

“All your family are gone now, child.”

She blinks back tears, knowing the truth of those words.

“What are your plans —to hang around here and die?” The priest asks her whimsically.

She shakes her head.

“Of course not! You’ve got a future!”

She stares at him blankly. “A future?”

“Aye. A good future with a fine, Irish family in New York City! I expect you to do the jig! This is a blessing, child!” He tells her excitedly.

She stares at the man. Her heart crestfallen, considering this is big decision for a young girl.

“It’s a new beginning child.” the father continues. “Ireland is no more, what it was—that includes Cork. It’s a place of death now—Certainly no place for a girl with a future! This job is proof!” Father Paddy tells her triumphantly.

“A future!” She laments. “She doesn’t want to accept the truth of his words. “I have dead parents—a dead brother and sister” Her voice breaks.

The priest pierces his lips.

That’s right, child. That’s why this is such a good opportunity. You must have faith.”

“I had faith they would live!” She sobs, as her mood shifts.

“You’ve gone thru much, child,” The priest replies consolingly, patting her hand. “And I have no answer for why it happened. But I know God has a plan, and yours seems to be this chance to work in New York City! I tell you, accept this job, board that ship tomorrow, and take this opportunity with faith. I believe this is good omen. Take it.” He tells her, squeezing her hand.

Having wiped her eyes, she looks at him with a new expression, one that appears older than her years.

“Father, I think you’re right. This is a good thing. I’ll do my best work for this family, who are giving me this opportunity.” She tells the priest with earnest, squeezing his hand.

“That settles it!” The priest exclaims. “Good things are happening for you!” He tells her with a wink.

Her mouth tilt slightly as she nods. It’s all so strange, how her life is unfolding

The next day, the priest meets her to give her a few more words of advice before she departs. With a hug and a wave, she boards the ship. It’s a dismal sight. Inching into a cramped space, she sees the faces of many who have lost much. It’s a death ship! The stench of death fills her nostrils, while screaming babies clutch their mother’s breasts. The mothers look away, ashamed, unable to feed their hungry children. Many won’t make the

voyage because of starvation and disease. It’s a tragic time.

Blanche settles into a safe place before closing her eyes, in order to remember a more pleasant time. Her heart skips a beat as memory hears a familiar Irish tune that lifts her spirits. She hears noisy feet tapping loudly at O’Shaughnessy’s. Folks have gathered to clap their hands and tap their feet to the Irish tunes they love so dearly, while watching the lassies in traditional Irish dress dance in unison.

Blanche muses at the memory of her dancing on the bar that day, which locals called, “The Irish Stage!” What glory! It was the best Irish stage because it was the best pub in town! Her body sways rhythmically to the ship’s rocking. Looking round the room of the bar, she sees her mother’s jovial face watching her dance. The memory is a sad one, remembering the loss of someone so dear to her.

The moment is gone, vanishing like a puff of smoke. Her eyes are stained with tears, as the memory fades. The ship’s loud bellow breaks the memory. Her eyes open to see the ugliness of poverty, disease and sickness. Around her are crestfallen souls, filled with immense sorrow. They are broken by the emotion of the famine, unable to manage the sadness in their hearts. Stiffening her posture, No time for sadness now, Blanche! I must keep the faith and get through this!

Staying alive on this crowded death ship has become her top priority. I must live! Lives are dependent on me arriving in New York. Mr. Fitzgerald paid for her passage, and she has 7 years to serve. According to Father Paddy, the Fitzgerald’s are a good family that left Ireland when the famine first started. They were wise to leave. Her heart darkens, recalling the past 5 years, losing members of her own family. Now I have 7 to serve! As mental conflict begins to brew, the words of Father Paddy come to mind.

You lucky girl, Blanche! People would kiss your boots to have this chance! Don’t you sully over a few years, girl! You’re young! This is an adventure! And you’re living with an Irish family! For heaven’s sakes, girl. Be grateful!

His words roll around her head, like a lit match while death looms about her. Keep the faith, child. She closes her eyes and taps her feet, hearing the Irish tune that made her mother smile and the gents lifting a pint at O’Shaughnessy’s! Such grand, gay days! She mustn’t forget!

Keeping her heart as high as possible, she keeps thinking how lucky she is to be here.

Dear, sweet, Father Paddy! She tells herself brightly. You’re right! I’m blessed to be here! This is an adventure, and I’m lucky to have this chance! Those slumped around her wouldn’t agree, having already passed on to the hereafter while Blanche is ablaze with life.

I must live. Death is no place for me!

Her mind ponders on the future and what’s ahead. How will he find me at Ellis Island? Logic tells her that finding her will be too difficult with all the other passengers looking ragged like her. I’ll have to find him! Then, she imagines what Mr. Fitzgerald looks like. She envisions him being a tall, well-dressed man, with dark eyes, wearing a Stetson hat. Good day, Mr. Fitzgerald, I’m Blanche. Pleased to meet you! She tells the man, holding out her hand. The words drift as Blanche falls asleep.

She wakes to the noise of passengers leaving the ship. Not wanting to be thought for dead, she quickly takes a place in line. Outside, she’s glad she moved because dead passengers are being thrown overboard. Swarms of fish gather round the bodies for their morning’s feast. Blanche looks away, refusing to allow this dismal happening to spoil her happy day. After all, this is the day her new adventure starts. She juts her chin to the sun before quickly walk down the plank and onto the docks of the pier. Death is behind her! It’s time to live! Adventure awaits!

She gazes at the long line in front of her. Poor, ragged souls waiting to give their identities to the Ellis Island officials. Scouring the crowd, Blanche on her toes stretches to see Mr. Fitzgerald. She stretches her body as high as she can, overlooking the throng around her. Her neck arches right and left surveying the crowd. She sees no one. The crowd moves forward slowly. She inches forward, standing on her toes, while searching the passengers. Not a sign. Now, in the front of the line, she panics. What if he doesn’t come? Then, she pauses, taking a deep breath. Patience, child! Remember, you’re a lucky girl! Of course, he will come! Confidently, she moves forward and is about to give her identification to the man sitting in front of her when she feels a hand on her arm. She looks up. There, standing as radiant as day, is a tall, handsome man, dashingly dressed wearing a huge smile. He is better looking than she pictured! He turns with a wink to the official, telling the man who he is and who Blanche is. The official shrugs and stamps the paperwork. Within minutes, Blanche is out of Ellis Island, in a carriage, and enroute to the Fitzgerald home, which is located near a lovely park.

So, there is green!

“How did you know me?” Blanche looks at Mr. Fitzgerald, after marveling at the greenery around her.

“With that red hair!” He laughs.

Blanche laughs. “I guess Fr. Paddy told you I could have been born on Christmas Day with me green eyes and red hair!” They laugh, enjoying the lovely weather as they ride to the Fitzgerald estate. Mr. Fitzgerald has done very well, setting up delivery services throughout the city, where he’s earned a reputation for fair and honest work. These same qualities are expected from his staff, who are treated well for doing a good job. Blanche has no qualms with the House Rules because, like Mr. Fitzgerald, she is a hard, honest worker, who never disrespects the family with lies or lame excuses. In return, she is treated like a member of the family rather than a servant girl. Although not an adventure in rigorous terms, she has found living with the Fitzgerald family to be a pleasant experience. Her time there passes easily, as she is often praised for the quality of her work.

One day, while she’s doing her morning chores, one of the delivery drivers comes into the kitchen, asking for water. It was on this day that Blanche lost her heart to Harry. Obviously, the young man feels the same, making any excuse he can to be with Blanche. These “accidental” meetings go on for many months before Harry asks Blanche for her hand in marriage.

“Oh! I think you’re going to have to ask Mr. Fitzgerald first.” She tells Harry. “After all, I belong to him!”

Harry is dumbfounded. “Belong to him? I think Mrs. Fitzgerald would be very upset about that!”

Blanche replies, “Mrs. Fitzgerald has nothing to do with it.”

Harry questions. “Well, then in what way do you belong to him? He’s not your husband!”

Blanche then explains to Harry that she is an indentured servant, serving her time of seven years because of the ‘Potato Famine.’

Harry scratches his head.

“Does that mean you can’t get married?”

“I don’t know, Harry.” Blanche answers.

Harry becomes silent.

“How could we be married, Harry?” Blanche questions. “I live with the Fitzgerald’s.”

“We couldn’t live as man and wife.” Harry agrees.

Blanche nods.

Harry then looks deep into Blanche’s eyes.

“If we could get married Blanche, would you marry me?” Harry asks, searching Blanche’s expression.

“Yes! Harry! Yes!” Blanche tells him, smiling.

“I love you, Blanche.” Harry tells her softly.

Blanche rests her head on his shoulder.

“I love you, too, Harry.” Blanche replies.

“How much time do you have left to serve?” Harry asks.

“I don’t know, Harry. I’ve been here for quite a while.” Blanche answers.

“How old were you when you started?” Harry questions.

Blanche pauses, thinking about that awful ship ride.

“I was 11.” She replies.

“How old are you now, Blanche?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t had a birthday in years.” Blanche replies slowly, realizing she really ought to know how old she is.

“We will have to talk to Mr. Fitzgerald because you look like a full-grown woman to me!” Harry tells her candidly.

Blanche blushes.

That afternoon, Harry and Blanche visit Mr. Fitzgerald.

Mr. Fitzgerald is delighted to hear the news that Harry wants to marry Blanche.

“Congratulations! Blanche, I knew your 7 years had passed, but you seem happy here, so I didn’t want you to feel you had to leave. Now that you have someone who wants to marry you, it’s all the more reason to give you what’s rightfully yours.”

“Rightfully mine?” Blanche asks.

“Yes. There is the matter of back pay.” Mr. Fitzgerald tells Blanche with a twinkle.

“Back pay?” She looks at him with a blank expression.

“Yes. Didn’t Fr. Paddy tell you?”

Blanche shakes her head.

“In addition to food and shelter, you are to receive a small wage. It isn’t much, but added up over ten years that’s —”

“Ten years?” Blanche interrupts.

“Yes, Blanche. Ten years and five thousand dollars.”

Blanche looks at him in disbelief, as the words begin to register.

“Plenty of money to start your new life as a married woman!” Mr. Fitzgerald tells her with a grin.

“Five thousand dollars!” Blanche is jubilant.

She looks at Mr. Fitzgerald with elation before turning to Harry.

“Can you believe it, Harry? I now have a dowry!”

Harry’s expression is also one of disbelief.

“Oh sweetie, this is wonderful news!”

Blanche beams.

Taking Mr. Fitzgerald’s hand, Harry shakes it firmly and profusely.

“My dear, Mr. Fitzgerald, Sir! Thank you. Thank God for you! I can’t believe it! What luck! Oh Blanche! You wonderful woman!” Harry exclaims happily, beaming at the woman he loves.

Looking back at Mr. Fitzgerald, he says, “I believe I speak for both of us, Mr. Fitzgerald.”

Blanche looks at Harry with a smile and a nod, her eyes glistening.

“You have made us very, very happy today.” His eyes glued to Mr. Fitzgerald, while shaking his hand profusely.

Blanche looks at Mr. Fitzgerald her eyes moist, with a heart filled with emotion.

“Oh, Mr. Fitzgerald, I have been happy here, so happy to serve such a wonderful family!”

Mr. Fitzgerald smiles.

“That means, we can get married!” Harry says, jubilant. Blanche is also ecstatic.

“A new beginning—for both of us!”

They leave the Fitzgerald family home with enough money to start their own fish and chips place on Wall Street. It was Blanche’s dream to open a pub, like the one she remembered in Ireland. Gratefully, Harry is happy with the idea because he is a wonderful cook. Together, they operate one of the most successful restaurants in New York City with the Fitzgerald’s often enjoying dinner there.

Blanche grew past the sorrow she experienced when she was 11 years old. She became a very successful woman, happy with a man she loved and who loved her dearly. She grew to love this strange place that offered opportunity, she could not have enjoyed in Ireland. From the belief that it was a good omen to leave Cork, keep the faith and stay alive, Blanche’s life unfolded beautifully.

From tragedy to triumph, Blanche’s life is a testament to keep the faith and let the good happen.