Thursday, 7 December 2017

Four Windy Cities

Weeks ago one of my oldest and dearest friends sent me a folder full of sheet music with a letter listing the songs she wanted to be performed during her funeral. There were more than two dozen pieces – classical numbers, hymns, popular songs and show tunes – enough to fill a two-hour concert. I didn’t tell her she’d chosen too many songs, or that it was possible she’d outlive me. Instead I tucked the folder in my piano bench, out of sight and out of mind. Then the day after Thanksgiving she suddenly passed away, and the funeral she’d planned actually had to happen. I played the songs she chose as prelude and postlude music. Now that letter is one of my most prized possessions. In addition to listing her favorite songs, she’d written about how much our friendship has meant to her over the years. Today is Letter Writing Day. Is there someone who needs a note from you?

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