TRIBUTE

“Katherine’s” mother died a few months ago from lung cancer. Katherine lives in Switzerland and flew over a year ago to help care for her mom. Katherine’s husband has visited several times to spend time with Katherine and her mom.

Katherine is now going through paperwork and cleaning out her mother’s home. Katherine is from a small family and the burden of such a huge task is all on her shoulders. She is taking it slowly and in stride. She plans on returning home next week.

Katherine called up the hospice nurse and asked to meet with both of us. She wanted to see us one last time before she left to return home. Katherine is a classical singer and has a lucrative career in Switzerland. Catherine has recorded several CD’s. In addition, she sings in a local Swiss playhouse.

Katherine shared that she wrote a song about her grieving process. She wanted the hospice nurse and I to hear it as she said we both would understand. Neither of us had heard her sing or play the piano before. She sat down at the piano and sang so beautifully. One could tell she was singing from the depths of her soul. All three of us had tears in our eyes.

Katherine was paying tribute to her mom in the only way she knew. The nurse and I have asked for a copy when she records it. It is a song that needs to be heard. An amazing tribute to her amazing mom from an amazing daughter.


 TRIBUTE

　
She came from across the ocean.
Not sure how long she would be.
Mom was weak and needed help.
She knew she wouldn’t return right away.

Days turned into weeks; then months.
The two of them grew close.
Lots of time to share intimate thoughts.
Blessed moments she’ll never forget.

Now it is time to pack up the boxes.
Time to empty out the drawers.
She is donating clothes and furniture.
Getting ready to return home.

She is a classical singer by trade.
Singing is how she expresses her heart.
She wrote a song about her grief.
Knowing we’d understand, she wanted us to hear.

She sang from the depths of her soul.
I know her mom was listening nearby.
We all had tears in moistened eyes;
feeling the pain of her huge loss.

She sang about emptying the house;
cleaning out files; giving things away.
Symbolic images of letting go;
all beautifully composed in a magnificent song.

A musical tribute
       to a special mom.