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How to Celebrate Those You Have Lost

The story of our inaugural Robert Burns Supper

John Polonis
4 min readJan 26, 2024
Photo by K B on Unsplash

I lost my dad and grandfather this past year. Within 90 days of each other.

Suddenly I was the only man atop my branch of the family tree. Two great role models, along with their infinite wisdom, were gone. Just like that.

How do you ensure loved ones are not forgotten? How do you celebrate those you have lost and help their spirits live on?

Find little ways to honor them every day.

Yesterday presented the perfect opportunity. It was Burns Night, a Scottish celebration in honor of their National Bard, Robert Burns.

Burns Suppers occur around the world to deliver an Ode To the Haggis, gather family and friends, and raise a glass (preferably of single malt scotch) to one of the greatest Scots ever.

My dad always talked about “Robert Burns Day.” This was usually in the context of my Mom always talking about St. Patrick’s Day and her Irish heritage. It was a friendly duel across the British Isles.

My dad and grandfather came from a long line of Scots. Three of my dad’s four grandparents were born in Scotland. They were very proud of this lineage.

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