Kilted at young man's funeral

**T-Bone** · 22nd November 10, 05:11 PM

This past Sunday, I had the misfortune to attend a young friend's funeral. At 20 years old, he was way too young to pass on. It is not yet determined if it was foul play or an accident, either way he will be sorely missed by everyone. Everytime that I wore my kilt around him, he said it was pretty cool and he even thought about getting one for himself. Being a tie-dyed in the wool hippie he was going to get something contemporary. Before the funeral, his mother asked my mother-in-law if I was going to wear my kilt. She naturally volunteered me. I think it meant alot to his mother. I received many positive comments and quite a few approving nods. I thought I might be a little underdressed in a dark sweater, but out of the 200+ attendees, most of the younger crowd was dressed in tie-dye in his honor. The world is lesser because of his absence.

T

**Oldhiker** · 22nd November 10, 06:22 PM

Good Show!

**artificer** · 22nd November 10, 06:59 PM

Poor devil, 20 is WAY to young to go.

I never gave it too much thought until I had a child of my own. It really changes the way you view so many things.
His parents have my condolences, as do you.

Good on you for doing as the young man would have wished.

Personally, I want a New Orleans' style send off. Complete with band, , booze and food (+BBQ), a great fat swinging party.

**xman** · 22nd November 10, 07:10 PM

I am sorry for your loss. A nice show of respect on your parts today.

The first funeral I had the misfortune to attend was that of a 19 year old friend. The congregation's woe and especially that of the family served to underscore the tragic and accidental end of someone so young and vigorous. I hated funerals for a long time after that experience.

**O'Callaghan** · 22nd November 10, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

Poor devil, 20 is WAY to young to go.

I never gave it too much thought until I had a child of my own. It really changes the way you view so many things.
His parents have my condolences, as do you.

Good on you for doing as the young man would have wished.

Personally, I want a New Orleans' style send off. Complete with band, , booze and food (+BBQ), a great fat swinging party.

My dad once said that. He is getting on in years, and lives a very long way from New Orleans, not on the right continent or even in an English speaking country. I am at a loss as to how to arrange a trad jazz marching band. It might just have to be a recording. Hopefully it won't be soon.

**Bill aka Mole** · 22nd November 10, 08:40 PM

Good show on you and his other friends to remember him in their attire. Condolences to all that are missing that man.

**The Thing** · 22nd November 10, 10:10 PM

20 what a shame, poor young lad, R.I.P.
It's good to share your story, I hope that time can heal your pain T-Bone. Its nice you gave him a good send off.

**Curly** · 23rd November 10, 12:56 AM

Bravo!
Being, among other things, an undertaker, a large slice of my life and energy has been consumed burying the dead. The loss of a young person is never justified as far as I'm concerned. It has become popular to personalize services with picture boards and mementos which tell the story of the life just ended. As a storyteller I see the value in this. If it was of meaning to this lad's folks [and to you as well] that you wore the kilt to honor him then I commend you. These gestures, I assure you, mean so much to parents who have to face the loss of a child..no matter how old.The service as described is one I would be proud to have directed.

**Chas** · 23rd November 10, 01:53 AM

Well Done, T-Bone.

Regards

Chas

**ohiopiper** · 23rd November 10, 04:45 AM

Sometimes it is the little things that bring a smile when needed or a bit of comfort when times are tough. About ten years ago I attended the funeral of a woman named Lynnette. Very vivacious and outgoing, but she was dying of lupus. She planned her own funeral. She enjoyed colorful clothing and was chronically late for everything. No men were allowed into the church unless wearing "loud" neckties. I still have the one I purchased for the occassion, it has Shaggy and Scoobie Doo on it. As the minister began the ceremony, her casket was carried in, five minutes late for her own funeral.

Fond final memories of someone. That's what funerals are for. Your being kilted hopefully brings a little of that to his family.