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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Amazing Grace, for my Dad
Amazing Grace, for my Dad
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STME58
1871 posts
Nov 25, 2016
11:13 PM
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After a years long struggle with Alzheimer's, my dad passed away a few weeks ago. When someone has become difficult to care for and can't remember who even those closet to them are, there is a great mix of emotions when they pass. Naturally sadness and grief, but also relief and even a bit of joy that they are no longer struggling. Amazing Grace is a versatile song that can be used to express this range of emotions. I was going to play a somber duet with my sister on the piano, the night before the memorial we had it worked out pretty well and I, somewhat jokingly, played this arrangement for her stating that I did not think it appropriate. She thought it was, and insisted that I do it, unaccompanied. She was right. The memorial was held a a Pentecostal church where an element of celebration at a memorial is not uncommon. I was not sure I would be able to play under the circumstances, but it went very well. Several people commented to me that they were glad I had the upbeat section in there.
I recorded this after the memorial, while I could still remember somewhat what I had played.
Last Edited by STME58 on Nov 25, 2016 11:16 PM
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JustFuya
1001 posts
Nov 26, 2016
10:18 AM
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Sweet. Well done.
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TBird
194 posts
Nov 26, 2016
10:25 AM
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Yeah! I am enjoying celebrating your dad's life right in my very own living room. I am sorry for you and your family's loss, Steve, but I am grateful for you sharing this offering with us!
Tom
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Be humble for you are made of earth.
Be noble for you are made of stars.
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BronzeWailer
1935 posts
Nov 26, 2016
2:40 PM
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My condolences STME58. Nicely done. I think I mixture of celebration and sadness is entirely appropriate.
I lost my Dad to that terrible disease some time before his body gave up.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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nacoran
9304 posts
Nov 26, 2016
3:12 PM
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Sorry about your dad. Very nicely played.
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Nate
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STME58
1872 posts
Nov 27, 2016
5:26 PM
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BronzeWailer, I know what you mean about losing someone to Alzheimer long before the body gives up. It is a slow process and it starts long before you realize it is happening. Toward the end my dad could recognize himself and his loved ones in old photos, but not in person. He complained about some old guy looking back at him from the mirror.
I have read that continuing to learn new things, like a language or an instrument, may help stave off Alzheimer's. My dad, while very smart, did not like to think too hard. I am hoping my inquisitive inclinations will help me avoid this fate, which I believe has a hereditary component.
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