Just slightly two years ago, we buried my brother-in-law. I humbly officiated the services, but my heart was only in it for my sister. I had asked if a bagpiper could be present at the gravesite because my BIL was originally Canadian and loved the bagpipes, as I do. The funeral home had one they call on, and my sister was willing to pay for it.
The day we buried Roger was a mild and sunshiny day in September. The piper was already in place as we gathered at the graveside. He soon started with Amazing Grace, which is what we had requested...and then he played something else. Something strangely familiar but NOT Amazing Grace. Long after we returned home and were relaxing after the sad services, I got online on YouTube and typed "funeral bagpipes" in the search engine. Instantly, the song of the piper appeared and made me cry: Going Home. Roger was "going home" to the Master, and all the rest of us could do was celebrate that. I'll never, ever forget how the piper finished his performance by simply walking away toward the woods, fading into the distance. What a powerful moment it was!
I am also reminded of another family funeral song. My favorite uncle--my mother's brother--was a career Army officer. When he passed, it had already been established that the Gary Owen would be played at his funeral. In order to find it on YouTube, it has to be recognized as garyowen. If you hear it, you will recognize it. Every movie with an old-fashioned cavalry in it plays the Gary Owen. Now, every time I hear it, I am reminded of my uncle whose life was devoted to the United States Army. May God rest his soul.
My turn will come, some day soon. I'm trying to decide what song I want to represent my life. There are so many that I love!! Time will tell.... Time will tell.
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