'Pipers, what do you say...

[piperdbh]

Hijack away!
A few years back I played for a lady's funeral, and less than a year later I also played for her husband's funeral.
Once I was supposed to play graveside, but there was a torrential rain and the funeral directors opened the back doors to the chapel and I stood in the lobby to play. Another time it was too windy to go to the grave, so I played in that lobby, as well. Once I played for a young man who, after a series of life-shattering circumstances, had his life improve drastically and most of his problems solved. Evidently it was all too much to handle and he hanged himself from the limb of a tree in the front yard. Another gig was for a young man (23) who overdosed on heroin. The most emotional funeral I ever played was for my grandmother, 11 years ago in June. Her family (Lockhart) was the Scottish connection, and I proudly wore the tartan in her memory. I've played for one aunt, three uncles, and many other acquaintances, friends, and folks I've never met but just got a call from the funeral home. Some of them have been in 95 degree heat, once I had to stand in the cemetery for 45 minutes in a 16 degree snowstorm waiting for the service two end, and another time I had to go through 7 verses of "Amazing Grace" to cover the time to get the deceased from the church across the road to the cemetery.

Yes, I'd like to read your war stories about funerals, weddings and other gigs and the "interesting" things that have happened while 'piping.

[kypnkilt]

I usually try to show some compassion, but at the same time be subtle in my response. I usually respond by saying "I would be honored" or something along those lines. On another note, I usually refrain from playing at friends or family services. I did once and it didn't go well. In those cases I will find another piper I know to do the services.