They can't pinch you!

This has never been my favorite holiday. Here's why: My mom was 6 (or almost 6) when she came to the United States from Norway. She was, of course, unfamiliar with many American holidays and traditions, like Saint Patrick's Day. She was a young elementary school student on her first St. Patrick's Day holiday. Students at her school were ruthless and pinched her arms until they turned black and blue with the bruises. It wasn't until a kind little girl in her class picked up a small bit of grass and put them in my mother's pocket, with the comforting words of, "There. Now they can't pinch you," that the torment ceased.

I don't know if my mom remembers the name of that little girl. My mom has never forgotten how she helped her. I'll never forget the story.