Funerals make me emotional, especially the one I will be performing at on Wednesday. My Grandfather, Jack Sanders, US Navy Veteran, went to eternal rest last Thursday and it has been a rough start to 2023. But, for my family and bloodline, I find myself to play one piece that brings people together. For my family, it is Elvis Presley. His songs meant a lot to my grandfather. And one piece that is sure to make anyone go emotional is Take My Hand, Precious Lord. I've been honored to perform this piece for my grandfather and I surely want to share that to celebrate his life and to thank him for all he did for me, his wife, my family, and those who knew him well.
May my grandfather rest in eternal peace.
Continuing on about my grandfather, Jack was a veteran. Because of this, his celebration of life will include ceremonies from the Navy Forces. This will include Taps for his funeral and burial.
I tried so hard not to sob my eyes out while writing about this.
Funerals are one of those rituals that I have to stay strong to, even if it means grieving someone I know or someone who I dearly loved until the end.
Weddings, however, are a different story. A while back before the pandemic struck in 2020, I was also honored with the opportunity to celebrate renewal of vows playing music. Weddings surely bring everyone together as it is a celebration of love and taking the next step forward. So it was truly an emotional event for me and the wedded couple. Canon in D has been an absolute favorite of mine to perform either during weddings or Christmas time.
Celebrating either love or life is always an emotional roller-coaster for a ritual. It surely brings family closer either to honor or celebrate new steps, and the future. Music like this is always what describes me as a musician. I love performing for rituals and I do hope to expand my craft with the many more rituals to come.
I will also include the obituary of my late grandfather (Because this blog is mostly about him)
Hey Briana,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for loss! I know it must be very hard for you and your family to have someone you love no longer with you. When my grandfather passed away, I remember feeling like life would never be the same ever and life couldn't go on. However, God helped us through our sorrow and we are thankful he is in heaven.
My family and I also love "Precious Lord" and in fact my grandfather had a cd by Jim Reeves with the same beautiful hymn!
Here's a recording of Jim Reeve's version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNrVed6dP6s
Also, my grandfather was a 20 veteran in the Airforce. My other grandfather was in the Navy and Marines, and my adopted grandfather was in the Navy! :)
I really enjoyed reading this blog and love your vulnerability here. I never really thought of a funeral as a ritual until you described it here. The Elvis Presley song is such a beautiful piece, I'm so glad you were able to honor your Grandfather in this way. Thanks for sharing!
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