| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 07:26:23 AM
Hi girls -
I am sitting here, choked and welled up in tears. You see, there is a funeral home right behind our house, and another at the opposite end of our block, so it's often that we experience the somber reminder of the fragility of life. Sometimes there are grand military honors with a processional of flags and a salute of guns; but more often than not, it's the simple hum of engines, the slamming of car doors and darkly clad figures clinging to each other in consolation that pull at our heartstrings. On occasion, we've even had young people rushing to a wake take note of our garden out front, and stop by with an offer to pay us for a handful of tulips or lilacs to lovingly rest upon their grandmother's casket. Of course, we are always happy to oblige without charge. Grandmas deserve beautiful flowers. The saddest funerals are not those of infants or children, surprisingly, although they do tear at the heart beyond measure. There is nothing that can console a grief-stricken parent or sibling. Nothing. For that, there are just no words, only prayers. The saddest funerals are, however, the ones of those people who have left this earth quietly, without anyone noticing or remembering or caring, as if the life had been meaningless and void of joy or love or celebration of family and friends. In days of old, there were professional mourners to carry this burden; but nowadays, there is just a cold, deafening silence, followed by a funeral car driven by a stranger that delivers the deceased to their eternal resting place. May God love and bless these poor souls. May they rest in the peace and joyful fullness of Eternity. Although strangers, we pray and grieve for the departed and for their loved ones left behind.
But today? Today we are silently partaking in one of the most moving funeral experiences we've ever encountered. We have been listening to the somber, tearful dirge of bagpipes since about 9:00 AM. There is this dear little old man, proudly donning his kilt and carrying bagpipes that almost look too impossible for his weakening frame to carry, playing the maudlin melody of goodbye to honor a dear departed loved one. It's the most heartwarming and heartwrenching thing all at the same time... His grief resounds with each note, as if, as I have heard many a person say over the years, the bagpipes themselves are crying. Yet amidst his pain, the music carries with it an inspirational sense of pride, strength and resolve; an enduring love that surpasses time and space. It is one of the most moving, loving goodbyes I've ever witnessed in all our time living here. What a beautiful way to say "Goodbye for now, my precious one, most dear to my heart... We WILL meet once again - of this you can rest assured - on that 'beautiful shore, in the sweet by and by!'" Such a reassuring reminder that although our lives on earth are fleeting, our souls are eternal, and the love within our hearts truly never dies.
"In the Sweet Bye and Bye"
By
Johnny Cash
"There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
"In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
"We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
"In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
"To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.
"In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore."
May God bless us, every one!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 08 2012 : 1:39:18 PM
"No words are needed when bagpipes play; the sound just penetrates through, and the soul understands."
Well said Nini!
Audrey
http://prairiecairncottage.blogspot.com/
.jpg) Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Nov 08 2012 : 10:10:58 AM
Thank you, girls - I know what you all mean... I am of partial Scottish and Irish descent myself, so whenever I hear bagpipes SO many images and memories come to mind; but you sure don't have to be Scottish to appreciate them! My favorite memory is from when I was a young child - the sound of bagpipes greeting the sunrise during one chilly Easter morning service. I will never, ever forget the way the sound seemed almost alive as it moved through me. No words are needed when bagpipes play; the sound just penetrates through, and the soul understands. :) Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| fille de ferme |
Posted - Nov 08 2012 : 04:57:18 AM
Oh Nini, I know how sad this can be  I live between two churches, one Methodist, one Catholic. I have witnessed or say heard the welling of bagpipes, saying farewell to a loved one. I could not pull myself away. It carried me to investigate further & I now listen to bagpipe music because of it. The gentleman that played, told me to listen, the music tells a story. Sometimes it is very sullen & others robust, according to life that was lead. It is so alluring & interesting. The bagpipes were played after many a battle, he told me. I LOVE the sound & am drawn to it as if I were Scottish in another life.
MAY whoever the soul was : REST IN PEACE ~~~~
KEEP A SMILE IN YOUR HEART... |
| texdane |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 5:20:06 PM
Nini,
Beautiful post, really beautiful.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| marlee |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 2:15:00 PM
Nini I am crying. We had bagpipes playing Amazing Grace at my dad's funeral, So every time I hear them I tear up.
Thank you also sister for How Sweet the Sound!
Marlee
God is the painter, he paints the picture. And his son builds it, for he is the Master Carpenter!
Silly Boys Trucks Are For Girls |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 1:48:11 PM
Goodness Nini! You made me tear up with your beautiful words about missing me! Thank you so much sister, you made my day!
Audrey
http://prairiecairncottage.blogspot.com/
Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
| craftingram |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 06:19:28 AM
Beautiful, beautiful writing Nini! I have always loved the pipes too and have asked for them to be played at my funeral. My son went to college at St Andrews in Laurinburg, North Carolina. They have a large pipe and drum band that played at all major school events. At graduation they came across the campus playing Highland Cathedral with the graduates coming behind them. There wasn't a dry eye in the audience. Thank you for the beautiful words and for caring.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #2708
Romans 8: 38,39 |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 9:34:44 PM
Nini: I had to come back and read your well chosen words describing the funeral. Wow, you do have a way with words. Just beautiful.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 8:22:29 PM
Thank you Nini, That was beautiful.
There is a person up the street from where I live and daily he is playing his bagpipes. It is a mournful sound but most beautiful.
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer |
| pinokeeo |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 6:33:25 PM
Wow, Nini, you should be a writer. That was beautiful!! I love the bagpipes, being of Scottish descent myself. And the wailing of the pipes at a funeral is by far, the most mournful sound.
Thanks for the words.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 2:42:49 PM
Oh, Audrey... I know that these difficulties must make you feel that way sometimes, but I am SURE you have been a blessing to many throughout your life, and they will not forget you when it's your time to move Home. You know how I know that? Because you are such a blessing to all of us, your farmgirl family. If you were to leave this world, we would know, we would feel it deep in our hearts, and we would give you a wonderful send off by sharing all the wonderful stories of our memories of you from this wonderful Farmgirl Connection. We love you, sister. Please know that! Let's just pray that we get to keep you with us for many, many years yet to come! I'm sure we will! God knows we need you!!! :) Big, warm hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 12:29:34 PM
Yes, Nini, there is no better send off for a loved one than bagpipes. My Mother was lowered into the ground with the pipes playing Amazing Grace, she being a daughter of the clan Davidson. I can't listen to this song on the pipes to this day without tearing up.
And bless you for taking notice of the services of the poor one departing all alone. Having never had children and on shakey terms with my family and not on speaking terms with DH's family, I'm afraid that will be me one day. But then I guess I wont care right?
Audrey
http://prairiecairncottage.blogspot.com/
Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
| Alee |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 08:48:26 AM
The sound of bagpipes always gets to me too. I love the sound and it is a fitting dirge for a loved one. Thanks for sharing!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Annika |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 08:16:51 AM
Gosh Nini, I'm all choked up too. My family is partially from Scotland, my paternal great grandfather was born there. The sound of the pipes always chokes me up and your beautifully sad story has brought tears to my eyes. My we all be blessed with friends who remember us with love and send us on our way with such kindness.
Thank you
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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| Bear5 |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 07:54:00 AM
Nini: Your words are just beautiful. I can picture the funeral. How beautiful, yet sorrowful. Music can do wonders for the soul. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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