Danny Boy: Bagpipe

This #SlowAirSunday is the beloved tune Danny Boy is a ballad set to an ancient Irish melody. The words were written in 910 by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly and usually set to the Irish tune of the " Londonderry Air ".

This weeks #SlowAirSunday comes with a personal story that happened this past week. A moment in my Bagpiping career that I will never forget. With the permission of Veteran Robinson's Daughter I am honored to share our story. We hope is that it inspires and brings a feeling of connection to all those who have lost someone they love.
A month ago I received notification that a Bagpiper was needed to perform at the Riverside National Cemetery for Veteran Donald H. Robinson. These requests come as a great honor to play for the men and women that serve our country. After calling and speaking with the daughter I felt a deep connection to both the Vet and his daughter. Not only did we share the same name, but we also came from a large family with Scottish Roots and shared similar beliefs. She told me that her Fathers only request was "Dannny Boy" played on the Bagpipes to honor the family and their Clan Gunn roots.
It is never easy to meet people during these tough times, especially after a loss of a loved one, but the connection between his daughter and I felt so special and that it was meant to be.
The weeks flew by. The evening before the event came and I noticed I had a voicemail from the daughter. What she said on my voicemail surprised and shocked me.
I had missed the funeral. I had failed to show.
Due to a misunderstanding I had put the wrong date in my calendar.
Distraught and in disbelief I looked at my schedule. I was heartbroken. After calling and refunding the daughter I was still feeling uneasy and sad.
The next day, I woke up with the same unease and sadness I felt the day before. I had another Military Funeral scheduled at Riverside National. So I decided to head out early to see if I could find Veteran Robinson's burial site and play for him. I felt that playing for him would put me more at ease. Though I got to the cemetery early, it took a while to find his name and get the information together to play for him before the next ceremony. After completing the memorial service I immediately got in my car and drove to where Vet. Robinson was laid to rest. While putting my Bagpipes together I noticed all my filming gear in the back seat of my car. The idea of filming this moment came to me and I thought it might bring healing and peace to the Family knowing that Danny Boy was played for their Father.
I set up my camera gear and started playing Danny Boy. After finishing the tune I looked up and noticed that a woman had walked over to watch me play. She had tears streaming down her face. Overcome with my own emotions and wanting to bring this lady comfort, I walked up to her and gave her a big hug. As I pulled away I asked, "So who are you here for? Would you like me to play for your loved one?" She replied, "But you already have. I am Donald Robinson's daughter." The overwhelming emotions of Joy and Shock hit me all at once. Then she said "Tress, this was meant to be. I was headed back home out of state today when I felt this overwhelming feeling I needed to come to my Fathers grave. Now I know why. I stepped out of the car and heard the sound of the Bagpipes playing "Danny Boy" and I knew it was you. Thank you! This is what I needed today. My Father and I would go to the Highland Games together, it was our tradition." She continued to share with me more about her Father and the peace and Love she felt at that moment. Then she said that she wanted me to share this story with you.
We both left after many hugs and lots of tears.... but we both knew that this was meant to be and that this was a gift for both of us.

Filmed on Location at Riverside National Cemetery
In Memory of Vet. Donald H. Robinson and Dedicated to his Family

www.darkislepiper.com