Why did these workers weep at a homeless man's funeral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the emotional impact of a bagpiper's performance at the funeral of a homeless man, exploring themes of humanity, loss, and the reactions of those present. It touches on personal experiences related to funerals and memorials for marginalized individuals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • A bagpiper shares a personal experience of playing at a homeless man's funeral, highlighting the emotional connection formed with the workers present.
  • The bagpiper expresses feelings of sorrow and fulfillment despite the circumstances, indicating a shared human experience among the attendees.
  • One participant references a similar story about a "beggar man's grave" in Germany, suggesting a historical context of neglect for homeless individuals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share a sense of empathy and recognition of the humanity in the stories presented, but there is no explicit consensus or disagreement noted in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects on personal anecdotes and emotional responses without delving into broader societal implications or historical analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in narratives about human connection, memorial practices, and the experiences of marginalized individuals may find this discussion relevant.

Ivan Seeking
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Ugh, this story got to me. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back country.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch.

I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never played before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.

As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years." Apparently I'm still lost...
 
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lol.
 
Outside of Heidenheim, Germany a path near our house lead to a marker "Bettlermansgrab," that is, "beggar man's grave." The man had been known to frequent the woods, but nobody knew his name.

One winter he was found deceased in the snow and a tribute raised in his honor. So much humanity for a place where such a person would have been put to death not so long ago.
 
:smile: Thats a good one.
 

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