In the corner of Joanne Farrell's living room sits a box once owned by her grandfather, Dr. John A. Farrell. The contents of the old wooden box aided her in her search for the secrets of people long past. Each item in the wooden time capsule gave her life new meaning and purpose while courageously she wrote her first novel. She found pride and a deep understanding of life while learning and writing about the challenges faced by those who lived long ago. It is a novel to pay tribute to the grandfather she never knew. Now, she would like to share her novel of generations of Irish heritage with the world. It is the story of the Irish coming to America through exile, famine, and chain letters of hope. Once the Irish came to America, they shared their dreams and gifts with the new nation as well as the burdens of many American hardships. Each soul in each generation gave it all, suffered great, and found the will to survive when all odds were against them and every obstacle was put in their path. Their lives changes America forever. A deeply spiritual Christian, Farrell is a strong advocate for humane policies and is active in many grassroots organizations and causes. She is an avid songwriter, poet, guitarist, painter, hiker, traveler, and mother of three. At the present, she resides in the City of Rensselaer, N.Y. on the very same street as her great grandparents did a century ago.
