Family Matters

Written by Louis Gillespie "Gil" Erskine for the 2006 Family Reunion:

I want to say a few words about the idea the family matters, that our sense of family, and our pride in family are important.  In this egalitarian age there is a tendency to play down family.  We live in a crowded, fast-moving present, having little time to dwell on the deeds, the works, the thoughts of those who went before.  But think about it: this family has survived the ages; it has maintained its identity and has a proud history.  Your ancestors were nobility (in fact a distant cousin is the Earl of Mar and Kellie).  They made their marks on history and I say to all the young people -

 - Don't forget who you are and from whence you came.

 - You are descended from greatness.

 - he seeds of greatness are within you.

 - You got a wonderful head start in life.  Now it's up to you.

  - And the next time a kinsman calls for a gathering of the Clan,

Come! Come just as they did throughout the gens in the olden days.

I doubt it will be me who calls you.  I've done it twice.

But, I'll come, God willing, I'll come.

The blood of the Erskine and Gillespie Clans courses through our veins.

Aye, Family Matters!