A Good, Sad Memory
General Crap March 15th. 2007, 9:13pm
I don’t really know what triggered this memory, but today on the subway, I had a clear flashback of a wedding I went to in ‘92 or ‘93.
I was in the Celtic Frost at the time (a competition pipe band) and our pipe major, John McLeod was marrying his long-time girlfriend Vicky. The pipe band was invited so I made the treck from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury for the happy occasion.
It was a nice wedding but the highlight was playing during the reception. There were three of us from the Drum Corpse there and after playing with the pipes for a few tunes, we decided to play our “Drummers Salute”. Since we were all snare drummers, we decided to split things up. Brad played the snare, Ted played the bass and I played the tennor drum.
It was magic. When I say that playing was the highlight, I honestly mean it was one of the highlights of my life (so far). I don’t really know what happened but it was one of those singular moments where everything leaves your consciousness except for the music. While playing, everything just clicked. The world just faded… there wasn’t even a sense of self. It was one of those perfect moments.
When it was over, Brad, Ted and I looked at each other in shock… it was like we weren’t a part of what happend, we were just present. The crowd went cazy. I remember the look on John’s (the groom’s) face when he walked over with some shots for us.
Very few moments in my life have been able to equal that one.
One of my fondest memories is mixed with sadness, however. A little while after that wedding, John, the groom committed suicide. I guess he was struggling with some issues for a long time. He hung himself at work.
Anyway, I don’t know why that memory hit me between Davisville and St. Claire on the way to work today, but I’m kind-a glad did.
~ Jason
March 20th, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Jesus, Jay – that’s heavy.
March 26th, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Hi Jason,
I remember the day well. It’s been a couple of years since then and this year we’ve started an amalgamation with Bowmanville; sudbury and the soo pipeband due to the falling numbers over the years. We’re competing in gr 4 and planning to do the games circuit this year.Bradly is doing well and expressed an interest in our venture. Who knows maybe history will repeat itself. I found you by punching in Celtic Frost. Maybe you’d be interested in playing again if so let me know. Dan and kevin are still in from the group up in the soo
Hope to hear from you ted
June 11th, 2007 at 1:49 PM
Hey Jason,
I was at the wedding as well. Although I wasn’t playing (not sure why that was). Anyway, always wondered what had happened to you. I was in Pipe Bands up until September of 2006. Talking some time off to spend with the family. I’ve seen Ted on occasion (though not so much the past couple of years). Get it touch, would love to catch up.
Cheers,
Jay