Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Ashleigh's Remembrance Service

Everything went amazingly well. The event began with me playing 2 songs, I wrote for Ashleigh. They were moving piano pieces that a friend of mine named, 'Strength'. The piece felt like 500 people holding hands, walking over a hill, together. I sold copies of the songs, for $10, and donated all of the money to Ashleigh's family. I think there were 25-30 copies; all but 2 sold.
This really set the mood for the beginning of the event.

The chapel held around 100 people that night. When I got up to speak, I saw a combination of sad, desperate, and hopeful eyes staring back at me.

The speech is too long to post in this blog, but I'll highlight what I talked about. I said that I have an odd propensity for attracting violent cases. My friend Tony died years ago by gun shot, my cousin organized Columbine's memorial, and my sister knew Kaylee; the 4 year old killed by her mother in Florida.

I shared how after my friend Tony died, he visited me. And then I shared how he visited his brother as well. That we both had the same experience.

I empowered the audience by asking them if they had a 'feeling' about Ashleigh that week? If they though of her a lot? (there were several nods in the audience) If they had an odd feeling of dread? I reminded them that these are God's tools to remind us that there is more at work than we can see.

I connected with the younger audience and told them that this would change them; forever. But that they could make a decision to have it change them for the better and not worse. Allowing themselves to be filled with anger and hatred would be as Ann Landers said, 'It is acid that destroys the vessel it is in' That is not the point of this; and certainly not what Ashleigh would have wanted.

I told them that this tragedy happened for a good reason; although it is hard to see now. I said that perhaps someone in the audience would become a grief counselor, or a law enforcement officer, or maybe, just maybe, they'd find themselves in front of a group of grieving souls in the future, trying to guide them towards a higher meaning to all of this.

I got an applause. Not a huge one-it was inappropriate. But something I said impacted these people.

Afterwards, no knowing how well I came across, a family member came up to me and shared something very powerful. She stated that the night before, Ashleigh visited her family. They all felt a calm peace come over them, and they all knew it was Ashleigh. My comments really hit home for several people.

Although the parents weren't there, her brother was. He just stood, looking shocked and grateful, with a pile of money in his hands, as people bought Cd's, after the service.

It was truly a wonderful, spiritual event. I would gladly do it again. Honestly, I usually have anxiety speaking in front of a group of that size, but I really didn't this time. I felt a force greater than me, moving through me, that night.

Oh, and on a human note; I've never played my music for that many people. That was a little scary for me..

Kate (Ashleigh's friend and creator of the memorial) was thanked repeatedly by friends and family. Most funerals aren't as wonderful a remembrance service. Several people got up during the event to share about Ashleigh. Apparently, she wasn't the most graceful person, and there was even some laughter through the tears! It was, without a doubt, a huge honor to be present and share with so many beautiful people.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Rememberance Service for Ashleigh Love

Through a series of events, I have been asked to be the key speaker for the remembrance service, for Ashleigh Love. She is the young lady that was shot in the face, last week, but an unknown assassin. Her friend Kate, a student of mine, has been taking my weekly insight classes for some time. She organized this event with the idea that a focus on gratitude, and the positive ripples that Ashleigh's life created, will promote healing from within, for all of those that were hurt.

Kate told me that there would be a small group, 5-7 students, that would be attending. Well, as of last night, it was up to 400 people. I'm anxious about the size, but I also know that Spirit has called me to speak words of peace, calm, and healing to a group of very hurting individuals.

I seem to have this propensity for attracting high profile cases. My cousin organized the Columbine Memorial (she lives just a mile from the high school), my sister went to Kaylee's birthday party (the 4 year old that was killed by her mother in Florida), and now this. As if knowing Kate wasn't enough, yet another one of my students was touched by this event, as she works with Ashleigh's aunt. What are the chances? Clearly, Ashleigh wants me involved; and I'm happy to do so.

Years ago, a good friend of mine, was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and was violently shot in the chest; dying instantly. Being from a quiet suburb, this was such a horror, none of us knew how to process it.

I'm grateful that I had that experience; though sorry for the loss. I feel that living through that gave me many spiritual insights that I readily use for situations like these. Perspective is the key to healing, and living, I believe.

The remembrance service will be at 7pm, at Pius High school, this Saturday night. (10-10-09)
I'm not sure how much space there will be; as it's in the school's chapel. Please wish me and Kate luck. This is important. So many people are in desperate need of healing.