Last night I attended a wake; the wife of my long-time director (college choir, chorale, musicals, etc.) passed away suddenly of a massive stroke at the age of 78. He has to conduct a huge Christmas concert this weekend....chorale and symphony, two performances, Fri. and Sat. In his mind, "the show must go on". He is 83 years old. We are all stunned that he is going through with it but if anybody can do it, it is him. I am not in the concert itself but I am playing for the pre-concert entertainment in the lounge of the PAC, accompanying his daughter's vocal students on Christmas carols.
His wife's passing so suddenly reminds me how quickly things can change, and how we need to appeciate the time we have together.
How very true. The holidays can be very difficult for those grieving, those under stress.