A good Father's Day with plenty of compliments

**jgcunningham** · 19th June 11, 08:16 PM

I had decided that I would surprise my Dad at church today wearing my Cunningham kilt with the jacket I just converted. My Dad lives about 2.5 hours away from us and we are planning on moving to his city in a few weeks. My wife, son and I went there the Friday before and looked at possible houses to fit us. We stayed in a hotel and not many knew where we were. I called my Mom on my wife's phone, just in case my Dad wouldn't recognize the number ID if he saw it later. Luckily he was out then so I hatched plans with Mom that I would show up right before the service started. She didn't know I would be kilted though. So, after getting my wife to her parents, I raced back to the hotel and got into my kilt. I had recently bought a jacket at Goodwill for $8.00 that I converted over 2 weekends and finished out the look by purchasing a new sgian dubh and belt buckle, both with chrome finish to match my sporran. I also ran into a mens store Saturday afternoon and bought a red silk pocket square and a silver tie chain. So, the kit was complete.

I put it all on but the jacket, which I carry on a hanger down to the car. I stepped out of the hotel room and one of the staff saw me. She clasped her hands and asked "What...what is that? You look wonderful!" I explained that it was a Scottish kilt and I was wearing it to surprise my father at church that morning. "Oh that is so nice! It's beautiful!" I thanked her and went downstairs. I took my jacket to the car and hung it up in the back seat and went inside to check out. I held the door for a woman and she did a double-take then said "Oh wow! You look fantastic!" I thanked her and went to the front desk.

I stepped into the small lobby. It's full of parents and kids who are all there for a softball tournament nearby. Have you ever heard about 25 people go dead quiet when you enter a room, wearing a kilt with your back straight and exuding confidence? It. Was. Awesome!

I waited at the desk and two women are talking, one looking over her friend's shoulder at me. The woman with her back to me turned around and looked me up and down. The first said "Wow," and the second said "You look splendid!" I smiled and said "Thank you. Yes, I do." And then we all laughed. I got another compliment from the desk clerk.

At the church, I walked in and headed toward my parent's usual pew. My Dad was in the aisle talking to a friend when he saw me. He said "Man, look at you! That is sharp!" Then he introduced me to almost all of his friends on the aisle. During the time that the members welcome the visitors, several people came up to me and told me how nice I looked. One man said it reminded him of what he would wear when he was a Scottish Rite Mason. I was asked by 2 people if I was going to play something on the bagpipes during the offering. I was gracious and just said not today. I can't play and can't read music. One man would not stop shaking my hand and said how highly he approved. There was only one comment from a woman about me wearing a skirt and I just laughed it off. She later told me that I had a good sense of humor and I really did look wonderful. I was asked if I was was Scottish twice and I just said that my side of the Cunningham's came from Scotland, so I was celebrating my heritage. When asked what the special occasion was, I said "Well, it's Father's Day! I'm here to see my father."

So it ended up being a really great day. And I know, no pics or it didn't happen, so here I am with my Dad after the service.

**KiltedDixon** · 19th June 11, 08:29 PM

's Well done.

**Dale Seago** · 19th June 11, 09:57 PM

It's always nice when people are willing to speak truthfully to you about their opinions. And I can see from the pic that you inspire that kind of trust and confidence in them.

**tripleblessed** · 20th June 11, 12:00 AM

A good guy doing a good thing for the right reasons, and looking good doing it.
As a result, much positive reaction. We thank you for this post. More like it, please.