REFLECTIONS

Daughter Tammi Jo loved to play piano. She played it when she was happy, when she was sad, when she was angry, or when she wished to relax.
Christmas music dances through our heads from the day after Thanksgiving until the 12 days of Christmas come to an end.
One song that really brings tears to our eyes is Canon in D Major. Our late daughter (she died at age 22 in 1995) loved to play that tune. Even family members stop what they are doing when that song comes on the radio.
Go to Youtube and hear it played on piano, violin or organ. It can be played on other instruments, too.
Tammi was born the day after Christmas, Dec. 26. Combining her birthday with the birth of our savior on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, we celebrate HOPE for the future.
We also offer thanks for the gifts given to us, including the greatest gift, the son of Our Father.
The Canon in D major was composed somewhere around 1680, but the exact date is uncertain.
The work is scored for three violins and a continuo, the Internet says. (This often comprised of a cello and organ who played the harmony and bass parts of the music and acted as a kind of musical glue, holding the performers together).
Pachelbel's Canon, also known as Canon in D major (PWC 37, T. 337, PC 358), is the most famous piece of music by German Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel.
It is a real gift to hear that song, which we also had our favorite organist, Ginny Power, play at Tammi's memorial service.
We asked Tammi's piano teacher if it were proper to play Canon in D at a memorial service. She said it was very appropriate and could be considered a tribute to Tammi.
There are many other gifts that we see and feel often. Music is one medium that brings Tammi closer to us. She loved music.
We were at Disney World many years ago at Christmas time, touring a light show at the Hollywood Studios. The lights flickered as music accented their brightness.
The song that synchronized with the lights was Canon in D Major.
Tammi is close to us in our hearts and we really love to hear people talk about her. It doesn't make us sad, it makes us happy that we were able to have her for those 22 years.
She will live forever. It doesn't have to be Canon in D. It can be other Christmas songs that remind us of a loved one who passed before us.
Merry Christmas to all!