Music Making: Vigil

Vigil is a reflection on my role as a hospice music therapist and my experience being present at a death. I feel it is a sacred honor to be a witness to someone's transition.

There are physical signs that signal death is coming: the change in breathing, glassy eyes, color changes. For me there is also just a knowing.

I feel my role is really to hold space for the dying and their loved ones. Sometimes the music provides "permission" for the person to leave this life. Many people have said it seemed to bring their person much peace.

The chorus and second half of the song are reminders for the listener:

• Be grateful for forgiveness and the love shared.

• Your loved ones will remember you, whether you show up to them in spirit or when you meet again in the next life

• Your loved ones will be okay.

• It is time to let go and rest

Musically, I tried to create a floaty sound that seemed to cycle between descent like laying down and ascent like rising above.

I hear it in your breath

I see it in your eyes

I feel it in the air

The time to say goodbye

I am but a songbird

Sent to accompany you

Singing songs of hope

Giving you permission to

Slip away through the soundscape of

Eternal heartbeats living in your legacy

Float away with the gratitude for

Forgiveness and love gone priceless.

They will know your soul

They’ll be safe and sound

They know the cycles

Of the lost and found

Your work is all done

It is now time to rest

Ease into your twilight

As your sun sets in the west.

Slip away through the soundscape of

Eternal heartbeats living in your legacy

Float away with the gratitude for

Forgiveness and love gone priceless.

Slip away

Visit My Music Page to listen!