I think that from now on I want to be known as a Highlander. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. I’ve never felt like a real American, not like the lucky ones who traced their roots from exotic places. Places filled with stories that enhanced their heritage, that lifted them above an average guy  like me. They were Americans but they had other names, names like Puerto Rican, African, Mexican, Italian. I was just me, me – American.

Then something miraculous happened. A movie was made about me. Well, not about me, but about my people. My people’s struggle. It was horrible but I could not look away. Suddenly all the things that had been pent up inside could be explained. He witnessed his father murdered and he was raised by his uncle who sent him away. As an adult he returned and married his childhood sweetheart but the same heartless people killed her and after many battles and many victories, he is captured, tortured and killed. You would know the movie from the last word he shouted but I won’t keep you in suspense….

Braveheart.

Alrighty then. What does this new found heritage get me? Well, I am now Scottish- American. I have my very own Tartan. That’s a specific plaid pattern just for my clan, and even though I really didn’t care that much for plaid before, it’s a big damn deal now.

The Stewart Tartan. And a kilt. I can trot around in my boots, a sleeveless tee and a kilt with the clan tartan and everything is right as rain.

Freedom.

And bagpipes. Unless you have been close to real live people playing bagpipes, you will just need to take my word when I tell you that it is beautiful. Chilling is what it is. Now the way my mind works, I can’t help but wonder where a beginner practices bagpipes. We had a piano in our home and listening to Mary had a little lamb while four children obtained various levels of mastery, my hairline began its retreat. God bless the parents of these wonderful pipers.

Angelic.

So, I went to my first Highland Games a few weeks ago and we sure had a great time. The Highland Games is kind of like a safe space for people who have Scottish ancestors but they will let anybody in as long as you agree to not point and take a bunch of pictures. And be polite. Do you really want to get your ass kicked by somebody in a kilt? We are going to another tomorrow and maybe I will come back in here and update with a few pictures. Wish us fun and….

Live long and prosper…. That’s Scottish, right?