Christmas is a special time for most people but can be an emotionally difficult one as well. This piece is for all those who may feel that Christmas will never be the same because life has changed or there has been a loss of a loved one.
Please contact musicbymarci@gmail.com for a copy of the sheet music.
This was written for my mother's father. My grandpa was always a part of our lives, living within just a few miles of us as we grew up. He was raised in humble circumstances and grew to be a strength to those he knew. He was faithful, obedient, kind, loved to play with his grandchildren and told the silliest stories and jokes. When he became ill, I was in my second year of college. We knew his life would be short and as finals approached, his condition became much worse. I had just finished my last final of the day with one more to go in the week. Our apartment was full of friends when I got a phone call from my brother. My grandpa's at-home nurse had informed the family that morning that day would be his last and the family should be gathered.
My dear "little" brothers sacrificed their final hours with him to come and get me. We made it back within the last 30 minutes of his life on this earth. What a blessing it was to be there as he took his final breath. The Spirit filled the room and there was so much peace. I realized then that the miracle of death is just as amazing, if not more, than than the miracle of birth.Shortly after the funeral, I wanted to express my thoughts somehow. It was a special time for my family but how do you capture that? I spent the next several days confined to my room, at my keyboard and later at the computer. This song is the result. Most of my music comes with at least a good portion of labor, mulling, reworking and polishing. But this one just came and was finished in time for Christmas. It gives me a better understanding of Nephi's words when he says "And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myselfbecause of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, Iwould excuse myself." The errors in this music are because of my mortal imperfections. Everything else is strictly from God. It brings me peace and I hope this somehow brings you peace as well.
So this (long) tribute is to my grandfather. He is a good man. Then, now and always.
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