Music Monday

Good day.

Music Monday today is dedicated to Doreen Schmitt. Here is her story:

http://www.imaginenocancer.blogspot.com/

I wrote this and sent it in as the family asked for memories of Doreen. It ended up being read at the funeral which was a bit of a shock to me:

I grew up across the field from the Schmitts. Most of my childhood summers I spent playing different sports with Jake in the back field, side yard, and on the concrete basketball court. The Schmitt house was always stocked with refreshments and candies; the perfect mix for two young boys who had just worked very hard to win the World Series, the World Cup, the Stanley Cup, the Superbowl, or any combination thereof depending on how early I had climbed through the barbed wire fence.

I remember Doreen from six years of age up to twenty six years of age. Though I have changed much through the years my experiences with Doreen have not; always vivacious, always smiling, and always fascinated with what was happening in my life. I knew her to be positive, supportive, enthusiastic, motivational, and entirely transparent. One of my favorite memories of her which stands out for me is her interaction with her children. Looking back I marvel that she could be so close, friendly, and funny with her children while executing such unpopular motherly moves as making sure her kids cleaned their room, did their homework, or took out the garbage. It was obvious to me, even as a preteen and teenager that she valued her family and worked very hard to be a loving, encouraging, supportive mother. I believe that she succeeded so well with her family that she had to find others to be a loving, encouraging and supportive person to. Luckily for me, I was one of those she found.

I am very thankful to have had a part in a life so well lived and can say sincerely that the part she played in my life, in our lives, is profound. I know this because her life does what all profound lives cause me to do; they cause me to say "I want to be like her." I hope that I can honor her memory in my life by becoming more like her; loving, encouraging, supportive.

It is time to grieve for a life lost and to celebrate a life well and bravely lived. May peace be with all of us who are in this process.

Sincerely,

Erik Olson

This is a song about a community grieving. This is Sufjan Steven's "Casamir Pulaski Day"



"and he takes and he takes and he takes."

I will say that Doreen's story has more hope in it. A major theme at her funeral was her desire for people to celebrate the gift of life rather than mourn for those passed away.

Until next time, enjoy the gift.

EO