Makes Perfect Sense

In preparation for our Irish adventure, I'm tearing up blacktop and researching the Lavelle's of County Mayo.  I'm fascinated by what I'm finding.  Fascinated but not surprised.

For example, the Irish Meaning of the name Lavelle or O'Maolfhábhail (how does that read as Lavelle?) means fond of movement or travel.  Well, isn't that fitting?  I'm certainly fond of travel, as is my traveling companion, in spite of the fact that her surname doesn't match my own.  It matters not because her spirit certainly does.  No one could ask for a better walking partner than my girl.

Then there is the fact that no Lavelle has ever reached the status of saint.

I'll give you a moment to adsorb that.  I know it's hard to believe.

In truth, the only Lavelle relatives I know are nothing like me.  They are serious, straight-laced and wouldn't say "shit" if they had a mouthful of it.  Since we're being honest, I really don't enjoy their company.  It's mutual though, so I don't feel badly about telling the world.  They've essentially done the same on occasion.  It's cool.  

In spite of the fact that the Lavelle's I know are endlessly boring, I'm totally convinced that there are Lavelle's of kindred spirit just waiting for me to stumble upon them in County Mayo.  I've found Irish storytellers, barkeeps and campground hosts all named Lavelle.  I think we can all agree that Irish pub owners are probably not boring people.  

It occurs to me that I've spent most of my life insisting I "wasn't a Lavelle" because the only ones I know are so...ugh.  I've been claiming to be a Magin for 46 years.  But the more I research, the more excited I become about being a Lavelle.  Just beyond my current reach - I'm quite sure - are charismatic, lively, engaging people related to me who aren't named Magin, but are in fact, named Lavelle.  Shocking, I know.

There are pint-swillers who share my surname and affinity for beer, laughter and cursing.  We are separated by a large body of water....for now.  Pretty soon, I'll find those people and embrace them.  I hope they're ready because for the first time in my life, I'm happy about being a Lavelle.