So honoured

[Stratherrick]

Well, my 11 year-old stepson, Kristopher, surprised me over the weekend just gone, and here's why... We, my wife, Rexie, Kris and I, were on a weekend break up in the Highlands, mostly centred around Inverness. As per usual, we dropped into the Highland House of Fraser shop by the River Ness in case they had any offers on.

Now, a few weeks ago, Kris had asked me if he might, one day, be able to wear a Fraser kilt? He has a McDonald one as his biological father is a Howe, one of their septs. His surname is Akwei-Howe, a combination of his mum and dad's names. I replied to Kris that he could wear a Fraser kilt any time he wanted because I am married to his mum and he, therefore, was as much family (clan) as his older sister and my two biological children. I did, though, say it might offend his dad and to think carefully before getting anything in the future.

Back in the shop, Rexie and Kris were thumbing through some tartan swatch books while I was looking at some rather ornate sgians across the way. Then, out of the blue, they both called over to me to come and have a look at one of the books. To my utter amazement, they had decided to get Kris a made-to-measure kilt in the Modern Hunting Fraser tartan, a slightly darker version of the Ancient which I use as my avatar, and the one in which my only kilt is made! I got quite choked. Without wishing to upset the scene, I let everything progress with the sales assistant (good job, Grace Chisholm!) taking his measurements etc.

A little later, as Kris was off looking at kilt pins, I got Rexie to one side behind some Arran jumpers, and begged her to reassure me that all this wasn't going to cause a rift between us and Kris' dad, with whom I have a good relationship. Rexie assured me that she had talked everything through with my young lad, who I have brought up since the age of three, and, not only that, but Kris wanted to wear a Fraser kilt out of "love, respect and thanks" to me for taking such good care of him over the years! Well, that finally set the waterworks off and I was left dabbing my eyes with a tissue.

I had the biggest smile ever when I wandered over to put my arm around young Kris' shoulder as he was looking up at some fancy sporrans... So, there it is, another proud kilt-wearer is setting out on a life path where he's sure of himself and his choices.

Cheers

Bruce

[Splash_4]

What a great story sir..! That is quite the lad there.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

Fantastic! What a heart-warming story. You and your son obviously have a strong relationship.

[Pleater]

This obviously touches your heart and home, but for me, as someone a lot further off, if the young man is part of your household then he can show that allegeance by wearing your clan tartan, whether he has a tie of blood or no.

If you ever watched Monarch of the Glen, you might have noted that Golly had a kilt his own tartan and also a rather posher one in Hector's tartan to show he was 'his man'.

Aw ye daftie - you've got me reaching for the tissues now.

[Riverkilt]

Very touching. Back to the core of tartans.

How could anyone read your story and still think kilts are silly, dumb, hate kilts, or tease about kilts.

You've done a fine job of fathering.

Ron

[Jock Scot]

A lovely story and perhaps it might illustate to some who don't understand why some of us, a wee bit nearer to the home of the kilt, or, with family connections, get a tad frustrated with those that regard a tartan as just a length of nice coloured cloth.Of course anybody can wear ,nearly any tartan they wish and there is no denying that fact,but to some, the connection to a particular tartan is very, very important, as in this case. I salute you sir.

[Stratherrick]

Thanks, all!

Kris is quite the young man! I've edited my original post to add that he's now nearly twelve years old. With any luck, he'll have his kilt in time for a wedding we've got coming up, at which his father will be present also!

Kris says that his blood dad, whom he sees for the weekend once a fortnight, is always teasing him about wearing "a skirt". Kris wore one at mine and Rexie's wedding and his dad made fun of him when he was looking at the photos some time later.

So, it's a big step for Kris to both want to wear a new kilt but, as I mentioned above, he's looking at it in a positive way due to his allegiance to me as being his stepdad. I've never tried to take over his father's role, other than to imbue my sense and sensibilities into him as he lives with us here at our home most of the time. He just calls me Brucie, not dad, which is what I prefer anyway.

Hopefully, by the time the wedding is over in August, I'll have figured out how to put up photos so you'll see the results!

Cheers again, one proud 'dad'

Bruce

[Cathal_Flameridge]

what a lovely story. I really appreciate it as someone who is trying really hard to find the money to purchase his own clan tartan (the thing is going to cost at least 380 dollars for a 5 yard Kilt made by USAK as the Tartan only comes in Wool at this juncture). However I am fully happy to say that you are doing well in raising a fine lad over there

[1oldsarge]

Some kids mature fast, others stay five forever, you are one of the lucky ones. Very encouraging that he's overlooked the comments from his father. I should say that you've had a great influence on him.

[McMurdo]

That is a wonderful story, it got me a wee bit choked up just reading it. It really says a lot about his feelings towards you that he would do this, and it says quite a bit about the young man as well.