My Mother's Funeral

[Singlemalt]

I lost my mother last week. She was a wonderful lady who enjoyed every one of the 89 years she was given and active right to the end. She was always very proud of her family and our Scottish heritage.

In some ways her funeral sheds some light on the Scots vs. Diaspora discussion currently dominating discussion here. I returned to the small central Ontario town where I grew up, an area of significant Scottish settlement in the 1860's. In arranging the funeral we were offered only three choices for music, organist, soloist or piper. We of course took the piper. When I spoke to him he told me our morning service was the first of three services he had scheduled that day.

My mother was buried in a tartan sash (my father's family, though her family has a tartan as well). My brother and I and my two son's were all kilted and we were not the only ones. My youngest son wore the same kilt I was married in 31 years ago.

It has been a long time since I lived in the community but it was wonderful to go "home". It was also nice to be kilted in a place were it does not raise questions or stares. It is part of the cultural fabric of the place. When we went for a pint after the service I noticed that the pub was advertising their upcoming Burn's night which offer piping, Highland dancing and a haggis dinner for $12.99.

Down the street is the Cenotaph engraved with the names of the young men from the community who lost their lives in the Great War 1914-1918. Most are surnames are of Scottish background and many of them would have fought and died kilted.

Modern Scots might like to keep the kilt at home today but I can assure them that that horse left the barn a long long time ago.

[Tobus]

My condolences on the loss of your mum.

[McMurdo]

My condolences on the loss of your mom, she sounds like a good wee Scottish woman. You and your family have my thoughts and prayers.

[tulloch]

I am very sorry to hear of the passing away of your mother. I am glad that hers was an active life. Good for you with your dignity and respect of her. Mine has asked me to pipe at her funeral! Don't know as I will be up to it but I will try when the day comes.

[John_Carrick]

My deepest condolences as well. I lost my mother in 2007 and think of her every day.
John

[gary meakin]

My deepest condolences for your loss.

[ctbuchanan]

My condolences on the loss of your mum. I feel I share exactly what you are describing. Mine passed two years ago at the age of 95 and left behind quite a clan. She was born in Scotland and one of the greatest gifts she gae us was her heritage which we celebrated at her memorial service.
This is the church that day

The piper

Some of the men of the family

My wife and daughters with me after the service.

[Peter Crowe]

My condolences on your loss. It leaves a void in your life I know. I lost my mother in 1995 when she was only 49 years of age.

[RockyR]

My condolences on your loss. I had a 'scare' earlier this year with my mother's health that frightened me deeply. I can't imagine what you're going through. I hope you find some comfort in our collective thoughts in your time of sorrow.

[thescot]

I am so very sorry for your loss.