John Paul McLaughlin (14 Mar 1987 - 9 Jan 2022)

Green and White Forever”

On a March day, the world lit up when you arrived
A spark, a smile, a fearless heart, so full of life
John Paul, my son, my everything, my pride
You wore the light like it was yours by right

Green and white across your chest, you stood so tall
Cheering loud for Celtic, giving it your all
But it wasn’t just the game that made you shine
It was your heart—so big, so rare, so kind

You’d give your last to someone in need
Never thinking twice, just planting the seed.

Oh, that laugh like a machine gun, ringing through the air
Bursting into joy, pulling everyone there
And that bright, cheery smile I still see every day
Even though the world took you away
You’re still here in every memory I hold tight
My John Paul, my son, my light

Echoes of your laughter still fill every room
Chasing out the silence, lifting up the gloom
If love could have kept you, you’d still be here
But now I carry you through every tear

I see you in the colors, green and white so bold
In every act of kindness, in every hand I hold
And when I hear that laughter in my dreams at night
I know you’re still beside me, shining bright

Oh, that laugh like a machine gun, I hear it loud and clear
Like a song that never fades, always drawing near
And that bright, cheery smile still lights my way
Through the darkest nights and hardest days
Till I see you again, I’ll hold on tight
My John Paul, my son, my light

From March to January, and beyond all time
You’re forever in my heart… and always mine