Music & Traditions

Looking back on my life, my family has made significant use of music on various occasions, such as weddings and funerals. One thing that stood out to me the most would probably be the different song choices for funerals. Traditionally, funerals are a time of sorrow and grief; however, despite that fact, my family has been able to make beautiful, heartwarming moments that we can look back on and include in the family member's memory and honor. 

One thing in my life that I am so thankful for is that I was able to meet all 4 of my great-grandmothers. I was able to make memories with all of them before they passed. One funeral that I remember was one of my great-grandmothers on my dad's side of the family. Although we did have a service for her, my dad's side of the family prefers to call them "Celebrations of life." For her, we went to the beach to scatter her ashes in the waves. I remember there was a beautiful sunset, the ocean breeze was calm, and the waves were gentle. The most memorable part about it was the music. During the time we were spreading her ashes, my uncle was playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. I remember it being so beautiful and really bringing the whole atmosphere together. Everyone was filled with sadness, but we still felt unity and peace during that time. 

Even though there aren't any words from this piece, it still filled our souls with peace. It is such a well-known song that we were all able to recognize the words and sing along. Although it was all still gloomy, it was a very beautiful time.

A few years later, my great-uncle passed away.  He was also on my dad's side of the family. And while my great-grandmother's funeral was hard, this funeral for my dad was especially hard. My dad was very close to his uncle; they spent a lot of time together when my dad was growing up. My great-uncle Jimmy was actually the one who got my whole family into the University of South Carolina Football, and that was a bond that he and my dad shared dearly. Despite struggling and fighting back tears, my dad delivered a beautiful message during the ceremony. He also honored his uncle by doing a USC chant at the end of his speech. It was something memorable and for the whole family to get one more South Carolina football memory for the family. Also, at the end, my father played the USC intro before games. The University took the 2001 Space Odyssey and turned it into something unique and recognizable by any fan. My dad felt as if it was the proper way to say goodbye to the biggest USC fan in the family.