275 years ago, on April 16th, something happened.

A lot of things happened on that date, I’m certain. The anniversary I’m thinking of today was the battle of Culloden. Where British forces destroyed the Jacobites, leading to the death of the Highland way for over a century.

When I went to Scotland in 2018, I knew I had to go there. Why, I wasn’t certain. Most if not all of the trip was guided by my soul. Yes, there were some tourist popular places I saw. This was a mix of both.

It was here that I found the reason why I was sent from my home in the other life. Where I was able to keep the vow I made at that time. Where I found, and reconnected with, the brother who’d sent me away. Not for any horrible reason, but simply to keep me safe. So he knew I was safe.

That story’s part of another post on my site: https://katemariecollins.com/2020/04/16/april-16-1746/

Part of me always hoped I could’ve returned for this anniversary. With COVID, and 2 kids in college, it was a pretty slim one. Short of winning the lottery, I knew it wasn’t going to happen.

The connection I regained that day still remains. When I need to lean on his strength, I know my brother is with me. I can hear his voice in my head. I have a pendant I bought at the gift shop that contains of piece of preserved moss from the battlefield. The more I wear it, the stronger the connection.

I wear it a LOT.

It’s a reminder that I’m stronger than I know, and the sense of family that was missing in most of this life. It’s gotten better over the last five to ten years, as I have those who I call brother and sister around me. They’re not blood, but chosen, and I rely on them like I once did the one who died 275 years ago.

At the bottom of each post, I put ‘BB/Chan Eil Eagal Orm’. BB is for Blessed Be – a traditional Wiccan blessing. The other is a Scots Gaelic phrase I learned from a song by Syr (GREAT band if you like celtic rock! Look them up!). Depending on how it’s used/the words around it, it means two things.

I am not afraid.

I am stronger than I know.

This message, this sign that’s about more than just pride, resonates with me. The shirt I wear today has the English translation on it.

To me, this is about honor. Hope. Duty. The sense of family of the Clan system. You may not be blood, but you are part of a group that is greater. One where the bonds of friendship run deeper than blood. One where you keep those you love safe no matter the cost.

It reminds me that no everyone out there is a total jerk.

As long as I remember, then that brother I lost almost 300 years ago lives.

BB/Chan Eil Eagal Orm