Amazing Grace
This is probably my father’s favorite song of all time. I had friends sing it for him at my wedding 30-some years ago, and now my mother and siblings and I are playing it for him in his final days of life. In fact, we have co-created a playlist of more than 50 favorite family songs for him, and it turns out to be one of the best healing tools for all of us. My parents are both from Memphis, Tennessee. Many of the songs are beautiful hymns or ‘spirituals.’ In his very weak and disoriented state, my dad is still lip-syncing to his favorites. And when Amazing Grace comes on he tells us all, “Quiet!” so he can soak it up fully. This playlist is connecting us all to each other in a very powerful way, and to the richness of our family memories and traditions together.
I just returned to Florida following a week of 24/7 bedside vigil for my dad. Leaving his bedside now, and all of our tender hand-holding, was one of the harder things I have done, but I needed to come back to pull-off my imminent move into a new house. I am glad to know there are other loving hands for him to hold, and I am forever filled with gratitude for the incredibly beautiful and poignant week I just spent with my dad in his final days. My dad is very happy for my new home, and his parting blessing to me was an enthusiastic “HOORAY!”
When I had trouble sleeping last night (I am still at the bedside vigil, in spirit!), I walked down to the ocean, and all the way out on the pier. I brought the playlist with me and played it to the vast night sky, and the sea. Just what I needed in that moment. Big Nature comforted me, while the music took me right to my dad’s bedside, with my mom and sister, and into the depth of our love for each other. Music is the language of the heart, and it has a way of transcending our trials and differences.
What potent times. I am going to keep this post very short, and I will have much to write about soon!
BLESSINGS and GRATITUDE as we all cross over into the New Year.