September 4, 2023
I had an experience on New Year’s Eve that changed my life. I was one of nine friends that had dinner together before heading to the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, California, for what I thought was a typical New Year’s Eve concert of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. It was not! In fact the symphony played back up for a wonderful group called Jeans ‘n Classics. The woman who emerged from the concert was quite different from the one who entered a couple of hours earlier. Through the lens of my email to one of the principals of Jeans ‘n Classics, here’s what happened.
Sent to David Blamires:
Thank you! I was at the PAC in San Luis Obispo on New Year’s Eve for a concert that turned into an epiphany. A little background first which will sound sad. Don’t get distracted by the story as all is well. After the death of my son Ian, an enchanting toddler who died of meningitis in ‘86, I eventually found my way back to joy, subsequently becoming a grief counselor in ‘92. Meanwhile I had fallen in love and married. Tony was significantly older than me but energetic and thoroughly engaged in life. We had a wonderful relationship all the way to his death, almost three years ago, following a number of illnesses including Alzheimer’s. While I have grieved him well, circumstances have lead to some heavy times this year, including the death of a beloved cat. By New Year’s Eve I found myself feeling profoundly weary… until the concert began. It was the right music, at the right time, presented the right way to spark an epiphany. I remembered myself… lighter, freer, spirit soaring, and fully alive before the caregiving began, before the endless things to deal with following Tony’s death, before finding myself the only sentient being at home (with apologies to the occasional fly). I love our symphony. I loved the music so well interpreted by Jeans n’Classics. The catalyst for my epiphany, however, was you. Your mastery of the music and powerful delivery had me dancing in my seat and belting out an unapologetic – YES! – to a fully engaged life again. Never doubt that you reach deep into the very essence of those of us privileged to hear your music. I have already started making the changes that will further enhance and expand the reach of my already valued work with others who have suffered profound loss. On their behalf, and on my own… thank you. Ingrid
David answered me graciously and with thanks of his own within 24 hours.
I didn’t forget or dismiss that epiphany. Having worked on my physical, psychological, and emotional health for many years already, I delved into a deeper exploration of how to live life more consciously and have been successful in raising my awareness level. Since New Year’s Eve, I have cut back on hospice work and have begun to write; taken the time to breathe and putter at home, and to play more. It’s been wonderful to experience even more gratitude and bliss as I’ve assumed full responsibility for my experience of life. There have been many to help me along the way… thank you all! Even Robert Schuyler played a role from his encouragement back in the day to “Turn your Scars into Stars.” Indeed!
Encouraging you to turn your scars into stars – love, Ingrid