I was summoned to the front of the chapel to speak. I just turned to my right and faced the coffin covered in white lillies. I fumbled in my pocket and took out my boxed Special 20 in D. Took it out of the box and raised it to my lips in my cupped hands, I was shaking with nerves.
I hit the 3 draw. Shit! I wanted 4 draw. Tried again, 5 draw, shit! I felt a complete prat. Tootled up and down a bit. Start again. I hit 4 draw, 5 draw then 6 draw. That was it, I was on my way. The nerves went, the tune was right. I was playing for my Dad and did I give it all I had!
I bent that four draw and six draw like never before and that D harp was crying in my hands. Tears of joy and sadness left tracks of moisture in my cheeks. I was being guided by a higher power and I just couldn't make any mistakes.
The last few quieter notes quivered with my emotion, but it was meant to be. They sounded right. I turned to face the assembled family and friends of my father and they were in tears.
I felt so proud to be able to play for my Dad, just one last time and for my playing to provoke such powerful emotions. I had done it! I felt so happy that I'd been able to do it but sad that it had to be then.
Thank you to all the MBH'ers who gave me tips and the encouragement to do this. I am most grateful to you all. You've helped me turn a very sad situation into a milestone achievment for me, and that's great. Thank You.
When I was sitting in the aisle I thought, well I really couldn't feel any sadder than this so, what the heck there's nothing to lose. I gave it my best shot.
After the service I was approached by one of the funeral people who asked if I played professionally. Apparently he was a musician too and he thought I was good. I said no and apologised for the first few wrong notes. Oh no, he said, that was perfect and added to the theatricallity of the whole occasion. He said it all worked perfectly, whatsmore everyone congratulated me on my playing and thought the piece was perfect for the occasion.
Last Edited by on Apr 24, 2010 2:22 PM
Im sorry for your loss,I still,have both my parents,its my friends that keep passing away,Everyday i dread maybe having to deal with there loss,I wish you well with dealing with yours. Peace
Bittersweet. But I suppose that being able to share the feeling with all the other people there was a moving experience. I suppose that's the purpose of a funeral. You should be proud.
Tooka, I'm so sorry for your loss. That's a touching story. Sounds like you got to play for your dad before he died, if so I'm glad that you had that pleasure. My dad died before I took up the harp. When I visit his grave I play Waltzing Matilda, one of his favorite songs that he would sing during long car rides when I was a kid. Your father's gone but he will always be with you.
Sorry for your loss, Tooka--I played guitar and sang "Wayfarin' Stranger" for my dad's funeral several years ago. Not a dry eye in sight, and the best job I ever did on the song--I think some of the same thing that drove you in your performance drove me--that one song took more balls than any gig I ever did before or since--and it was my single most memorable performance to me. . .
Having not checked the forum for a while, this post caught my attention. I am sorry about your loss tooka. You have the amazing gift of love and support for others. I certainly felt that. Take care.
p.s. I did play for my Dad during new years and he thought I suck. At least I did it.
