 What causes a persons affinity for certain cultural groups or nations? Besides heritage, is it a harmony with their own background or personality? Perhaps so, but I think my own attraction to the Irish people and their culture is strongly influenced by the positive influence of two families during my growing-up years. My cousins, the Gintys, with their joyful enthusiasm, non-stop energies,and welcoming home, always grace my memory.The warmth and good times with my Aunt Shirley, Uncle John, and their brood of nine is a great treasure.The other family was Dr. and Mrs.Henry Hughes' home with fifteen children (see my group isn't so amazing). I stayed my senior year in their home. Not all the older ones were there at that time, but we surrounded a table of mythical proportions! Sometimes, I joke now about the large family rubbing off on me (only a half-joke).The Irish humor and camaraderie was alive in that home and I can never recall them without thinking of Dr. Hughes as one of the best of men and Mrs. Hughes as one of the dearest of women.
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