My mommy was laid to rest two weeks ago tomorrow.
I woke up to birdsong early on the morning of her funeral. The birds were so loud, they woke me up at dawn–way too early. I couldn’t get back to sleep. I felt sick to my stomach. Jenni, Chris
and I (the first three born) had eaten at Leatherby’s the night before–the very Leatherby’s where Mom used to take us as children, right near
where we grew up in Kearns. It was nostaglic and sweet and I’m glad I
have that memory. That morning, though, everything felt cold and bleak
and my stomach felt unsettled. I took a shower. I put on my suit. I got
my violin. I looked over my notes for my talk. Then, by myself, I walked
over to the chapel where my mother’s body lay.
It was a horrible feeling, that solitary trek.
I got to the chapel and was shocked to see the hearse, and then individuals who had arrived early to the viewing to pay their respects. I didn’t know how to react and was dazed and numb and very morose. My accompanist, John Sargeant, saved me and pulled me into a quiet room with a piano so we could practice. Before
we started playing, John got out his camera and asked if he could record us.
My brain didn’t know how to process this. It felt odd and weird to
record myself feeling so somber–this horrible day, my mom a few rooms
down in a casket. He said that I might never want to use the footage which would be fine,
but that it would be good to capture it so that I could use it if I ever
did. My mind felt skeptical, yet at the same time, something in me knew
he was right. We recorded two takes. Only one worked because of the angle of the camera.
Today, I have realized I want to share that footage. I emailed John and told him to take his upload off of “private.” I want to share it so you can see this part of how I said goodbye to my sweet mom, certainly, but more importantly, sharing this footage is the only way I can think of to memorialize, in my own small way, those who died in Orlando.
Before I do, I need to explain why this song is significant to me. I explained this
in my talk at the funeral and I was crying so hard I could barely make
it through the explanation. “Le Cynge” (“The Swan”) is a piece by
Camille Saint-Saens, who is one of my favorite composers. It was very significant to my mother’s family as it is one of the songs my grandfather used to play through the halls of their home as they all fell asleep at night. Even through all the years of her illness, my mom always recognized “The Swan,” and wept every time I performed it for her.
What I had never
realized until I was preparing to play this for her funeral is that this piece depicts a dying swan. It is the
“swan-song”–a representation of the legend that there is no sweeter
birdsong than the song of the swan, who has been mute all its life, as
it dies. This legend is, of course, inaccurate–swans do not sing a sad,
beautiful song as they die, nor are they mute–but the symbolism of the piece is so
powerful to me. It makes me think of my mom’s song as she died–those
ten terrible years, in which, as she left us, she communicated beauty,
grace, longsuffering, gratitude, and endless faith. The song of my
mother’s death is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. She was the swan of this piece–shuddering, flapping–eventually folding into death with
grace and beauty and tragedy. The last four notes of the piece felt like a message to me as I practiced and performed. In them, I heard the words “I’ll see you soon…” each time. It brought me peace.
The men and women who died in Orlando were swans. Their voices and struggles were, likely, largely unheard. Lolly served her Spanish speaking mission in Orlando, near the very place they died. She has still not brought herself to look at the list of names to see if she knew anyone who passed away, but even if she didn’t know them, she knew them, the Latino population of Orlando, and she loved them. She and I also deeply love our LBGTQIA+ brothers and sisters. This group is part of the great queer collective to which I belong. Because of this I know something of their muteness, or of the inability of some of them to share all of who they were in life. And it breaks my heart to know these beautiful lives were taken so early.
What I have noticed in the days since their murders is that, in death, each of them is singing a loud, beautiful song. I have been amazed at the voices of empathetic response from surprising corners–unlikely people who have heard this collective swan-song and had their hearts softened to the humanity that was lost. Their song is an anthem that people all over the world are finally hearing: that they lived, that they were real, that their journeys mattered, and most of all, that they should not have died for being, and celebrating, the beautiful people they were.
This rendition is my gift. I performed it on the very day my mother was buried. This footage is sacred to me. Yet this very personal monument of grief is the only fitting tribute I can make to those who died. It is a feeble offering, and I am no professional, but I hope the melody conveys the tragedy and beauty of the deaths of these beautiful swans, whose song will live on for years and years to come. And I hope that in those final four notes, you too hear the words “I’ll see you soon…”
John Sargeant accompanied my son's State Honor Choir and we have been big fans ever since. My son is someone who doesn't really know where he fits in this world but the piano makes sense to him. We have attended several concerts where John has played and he is a great role model.
Thank you for those sweet words & for your support of my music, Jennifer! 🙂 It was an honor to collaborate w/ Josh at his mom's funeral…it was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Also, I feel like "someone who doesn't really know where he fits in this world," so I'm glad your son & I both feel at home at the piano. ♪♪ I send your son a great big hug!
What a small world. It is crazy seeing Josh who I met and knew in Washington, with the pianist that played at my daughters Oak Canyon Concert here in Utah. Small world indeed. Beautiful music!
Thanks, MerriLynn! 🙂 That is indeed crazy! Music brings us all together! ♪♪ That Oak Canyon "Night of Broadway" choir concert was a blast! ^_^
Josh this is so beautiful. Beautifully worded, played, and so incredibly heart felt. Tears and love for you and all who are hurting.
Amen, Jenni. My sentiments exactly.
Thank you for sharing this. It is has been sad for me to feel so far away and disconnected from you and Lolly as you have mourned your mother's passing. Watching this, seeing your somber expression, hearing the beautiful heartbreak of the melody, and knowing the story behind it all has given me a chance to cry with you and to feel like I could mourn, in a small way, with you and your family. And sharing it as a beautiful, humble offering for the tragedy in Orlando is perfect. I will probably watch it over and over again just for the chance to get all of this sorrow out. Love you guys.
That was REALLY beautiful, Katie…thank you for sharing your feelings. I can relate to feeling disconnected as I often watch helplessly from afar as friends & family members suffer through loss or other difficult things. I'm glad our video touched your heart… ~ John (the pianist)
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
Music conveys to our souls the words we cannot express, Josh. I am certain this beautiful rendition of such a graceful bird will echo loud and clearly to your dear mother. I am sorry for your family's loss.
John and Josh, my heart mourns, too, at the sadness I feel for both your loss, Josh, and for the loss felt by all who feel sorrow for our brothers and sisters who so recently lost their lives in Orlando. The music you both played was so heartfelt, so mournful and beautiful. Somehow, through my sorrow, my soul was lifted to hear it. I thank you both.
I meant to comment earlier…this was beautiful. I've been so sad for you since your mom's death and think of you often wondering how you are. Thank you for sharing this. You played it so, so serenely and I don't think anybody could not cry hearing this after your beautiful explanation that goes with it.
Lovely in every way. Thank you.
Ps.. What is IA in LGTBQIA… I have never ever seen that before. At this point I feel like we should just add all the letters of the alphabet so they don't feel left out! (If that's offensive, please disregard, and I apologize)
Very beautiful song, Josh. I have loved reading your blog for years and this was a beautiful post. Also, it was great to meet you and Lolly in the temple today. Here's a link to my coming out blog post: http://benschilaty.blogspot.com/2015/01/post-1-time-to-be-honest-about-being-gay.html
Good post.
Absolutely beautiful! Reminds me of the saying that music not only speaks to the soul, it captures it. Thank you for sharing your talent. Many prayers for you during this difficult time.
Hi, Josh. I can't comment on your FB page but I wanted to send this link to you. This Ted Talk, given by a woman I know, is the best conversation on white privilege I have seen –
https://www.google.ca/?gws_rd=ssl#q=tiffany+jana+ted+talk
If for some reason the link doesn't work, simply google Tiffany Jana Ted Talk. She does an amazing job of presenting it in such a way that the 'i'm not racist!' defensiveness gets stripped away. And I speak of my own racism as a white female. I do find myself disturbed by many of the comments on your FB post – mainly because the arguments against our own inherent racism are 'old' ones. I always have a hope that 'religious' folks (Mormons, Christians, any religion) will have moved beyond this. Alas not. Please watch the link.
– Karen
Beautifully written and beautifully played. St. Augustine is reported to have said, "He who sings prays twice" and I think the same could be said for this beautiful rendition of The Swan. So sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
Wow. This is an amazing piece of music and so expressive and perfect.
Reconnecting with your blog and so grateful to happen upon this post. That is one of my favorite pieces, and you both played beautifully. My mother is several years into her own battle with dementia and has forgotten how to play the piano music that she has always loved, so this post is particularly poignant for me. Thank you for sharing this.