A Heartfelt Thank You

November is a time to reflect on gratitude for many, and the blessings I've been fortunate to encounter are plentiful. While I wrap my head around all the doors and opportunities afforded to me over the last 6 years on my journey, I cannot help thinking how it all started with one word: Grief. My family watched an amazing human being deteriorate for over 10 years from a disease which still has no cure, no treatment, nor means for slowing down. Music was a common bond among our family, but an afternoon's experience singing at her hospital bedside provided an epiphany and personal mission worthy of discussion and awareness. I am exceedingly thankful for what that enlightening revelation has brought about in my life personally, but also how it has shaped my mission to educate people everywhere on the power of music in the brain, provide a scientific foundation for how we are always able to respond to music, and provide caregivers with ideas for a prescribed repertoire for their loved ones. To quote the lyrics of Bernie Taupin and Elton John, "I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do..." 

From my grandmother's loss, I became hopeful of making a difference beyond my role on the podium as a music educator. An incredibly intelligent person, let's call him Hemingway, once instructed us: "All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know," which is what I decided to do from my own grief. Speaking with family, interviewing doctors, and pouring myself into countless hours of Alzheimer's research created the best opportunity to make a difference in the most commercial way possible. My goal was to spread awareness through a historical romantic fiction, but little did I know where my efforts would eventually lead me when the novel was finished. 

From the time my first full draft was printed and during months of peer editing in 2012, my liaison with the Alzheimer's Association - St. Louis Chapter started solidifying. Every encounter with the professional staff was remarkable, and the kindness shown to me from the beginning was stellar. One introduction led to another, including several of the world's leading experts in Alzheimer's Disease research and renown neurologists (resumes too long to list). Dr. John Morris and Dr. Randall Bateman assisted in affirming a scientifically sound plot line, and informants of various details were Dr. Eric Reiman, Dr. David Holtzman, and Dr. David Carr to name a few. My goal all the while was to stay abreast of all updates, scientific research, and developments that could impact the validity of my story while waiting for publication, and it remains relevant today as a proud volunteer. 

​​To this point, I never expected to engage as a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association in the way I have over the past several years. From a Young Ambassador, to Walk to End Alzheimer's Team Captain, to The Longest Day Team Captain, to music meet-up volunteer, to new AACE (Community Educator), to Music & Memory speaker, I am exceedingly proud, humbled, and honored to be a part of an organization that works tirelessly to eliminate this disease. With every moment and each effort to raise funds toward research and awareness, we are inching closer to a world without Alzheimer's. 

While I have a great deal of love and thanks for those who have helped from the Alzheimer's Association, I also need to thank the countless members of the St. Louis Writer's Guild, The Writer's of St. Charles, The Writer's Lens, local bookstores, markets, and businesses, among numerous other community members for shining a great deal of light on my mission, the novel, and Music & Memory work. I cannot thank each of you individually, but I am humbled beyond words to have become your friend through the literary world, through our musicianship and/or educator roles, or by word of mouth means. The support and care you all have shown has been sincerely invaluable, and I can't begin to convey my appreciation. 

I've been fortunate to personally meet wonderful people (thousands by now), celebrities included, who have listened, heard my mission, and spoken with me about their own experiences with Alzheimer's, but I am most proud how my district, my school, and my students have personally tapped into how powerful music can be for those who need it most. These students selflessness and willingness to volunteer to play music for those with dementia has brought as much extrinsic reward to others as it has intrinsically enhanced their own hearts. I am exceedingly happy to provide a continual mission of hope through The Longest Day campaign with Team Musicians for Memories! #musiciansformemories

While I've maintained an overwhelmingly busy professional life the past decade without regret on that front, it has come at great personal costs, and it is time to step back as I dive into presenting more Music & Memory lectures this winter at a dozen St. Louis County Libraries. December 2016 will wrap up over two and a half years of solid monthly blogging for which I am proud; however, I am committed to a quarterly entry as I begin focus on the sequel to If Music Be the Food of Love entitled, Play On. 

I want to thank the hundreds of return readers, who eagerly await the end of the month to catch the latest writing. Your support has meant the world to me. Check back in December for information on upcoming lecture series dates, or visit the EVENTS tab for more information. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! 

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