This is one of those days you know is inevitable but never acknowledge it until it is upon you.
As a young punk being raised by a single mother, you tend to latch on to any sign of male role model you can. Any paternal character willing to tell you to "cut your hair" or "stand up straight" or simply refer to you as "soldier". I guess most guys crave that.
At a point in my simple life when I was destined for terrible, dangerous, and surely jailable things, I came into contact with the Transcona & District Pipe Band.
Mr. Lawrence has passed away today. A pipe major to many, a friend to even more, and a seeming "Grandfather" to countless students of both pipes and drums, there aren't really words to describe the terrible loss we all feel.
As with all great scots young and old, we can be tough yet kind, stubborn yet creative, and passionate always passionate, Mr. Lawrence was all of those. I have spent today going through my countless memories with incredible fondness.
So tonight, when you sit down in the warmth of your homes, or head out sand bagging, or pick up that dusty practice chanter or set of sticks you haven't touched in awhile, find a mirror and look in it, we are Mr. Lawrence's Legacy. Two generations of human beings who, perhaps, would never have found music at all.
God bless, and rest in peace Mr. Lawrence. We all owe you a gift that can never be re-paid.
Sean
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