The Art of Healing: For Corry

Your mother is someone on whom you can trust. No matter how old you get, you’ll always be your mother’s daughter. This was true for Corry. Her mother was the one she could always count on, even when her impulsive streak took over, leading her down a path that could spell trouble. Her mother was the one she depended on for so much as she faced life’s ups-and-downs. Then her mother died, and Corry lost herself.

Her grief wouldn’t end there. She would lose her father, a brother and two sisters. She would face hard times as a business owner and as a surrogate mother to her nephew. Corry humbly says that, in comparison to some others, her life hasn’t been all that hard, but she has grieved, and she has become intimately acquainted with pain.

Corry’s relationship with her nephew, Maikel began to change when he told her about a performance he had seen on Oprah. He introduced her to the Canadian Tenors, who appeared on the show in January with another Canadian, Celine Dion. As Corry describes it, she was completely in love with them at first sight! She and her nephew now had a common interest, something to enjoy together.

Just three months after they watched the Tenors’ performance on Oprah, the two, who live in the Netherlands, were off to see the Tenors perform live. Corry says she was struck by how their personalities resonate through their voices, blending together to create a magical ambiance. As of this writing, she and her nephew have seen the Tenors in concert five times and will see them an additional four more times before the year is out with tickets to shows in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York, and Toronto. Did I mention they live in Holland?

Corry delights in the moments she gets to talk to Clifton, Fraser, Remigio and Victor after each performance. She believes their music has brought joy back to her life, and for that reason, this successful entrepreneur is willing to do whatever she can to support the Tenors in their rise to success.

To start, Corry has organized a Canadian Tenors Fan Day, which will take place in Almere, Holland on Saturday, October 23, 2010. The event, which will be held at Het Plein, will last from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and is a fundraiser to help support the Bulembu Foundation, the charity for which the Tenors are ambassadors through Voices for Bulembu. Corry has been touched by the stories she has heard of the plight the citizens of Bulembu have faced as often told by the Tenors. As she says, “We know we can’t turn back time in Bulembu, but if everybody gives just one dollar, they will overcome their crisis.”

It is her hope that as Bulembu gets back to where it belongs, as a self-sustaining community, similar projects for other towns can begin. Corry’s mission is two-fold: Help the Canadian Tenors and support the vision of restoring the town of Bulembu.

She wants to open up the world to the music of the Canadian Tenors so the world can know the joy she has experienced. More exposure and success for them means more exposure and resources for Bulembu. As more resources are made available to Bulembu, they will be able to experience greater joy in their lives as well, also, in part because of the Canadian Tenors.

"Corry Puts with Fraser Walters and Victor Micallef of the Canadian Tenors"

The Art of Healing: For Debbie

Most episodes of Oprah’s hit TV show garner a lot of conversation. But this one particular episode still has people talking, nearly a year later. It’s the one where the Canadian Tenors are surprised in the middle of their hit song, “Hallelujah” with an on-stage visit by their idol, Celine Dion. The first remark most people make is of the stunning sounds that come from the four voices that make up the Tenors. Next are of the absolutely adorable reactions, especially of Fraser and Remigio when they finally realize Celine is standing right next to them. You just can’t help but smile.

Smiles were desperately what Debbie needed as she watched that episode back in early February. She and her husband had been living the American dream as upper-middle class citizens in Boston, reaping the benefits of hard work and enjoying what they needed and at times, what they wanted. But long before the mortgage industry went bust and the recession took over the headlines on the nightly news, Debbie and her husband, who worked as a mortgage consultant at the time, found themselves in a financial bind. Her husband eventually lost his job when his company closed. The couple has since depleted their savings just to survive and cover every day expenses. While both are now employed, their combined salaries still don’t provide enough to keep them free from financial worry.

Since discovering the Canadian Tenors, Debbie says she has found great joy in times when joy has been lacking. She is thankful for the life she has with her husband, daughter and extended family, but finds herself overwhelmed, as many people are, with wondering how to make ends meet on a daily basis. The stress of a chokingly tight budget has gotten in the way of enjoying life. But she makes it a point to play one or both of the Tenors CD’s every day, knowing she’ll find a brief respite, an opportunity to relax and be carried away by the beauty of the blended voices. For a much-needed belly laugh, she returns to the Oprah episode and replays Remigio’s reaction to Celine’s surprise visit. For relaxing entertainment, she watches their PBS DVD, relishing in the camaraderie and familial interaction of the brothers with voices.

Debbie describes their music as soothing, soulful, emotional. She is especially touched by the combination of tenderness and power in Fraser’s voice, the pure emotion and handsome expression he brings to each piece he sings, Victor’s heartwarming smile, and the ability they all have to take her away from the pressure, anxiety and doubt. Debbie knows the music of the Canadian Tenors won’t change her current circumstances. But what she finds in each of their voices, their individual skills and achievements, their affable and genuine nature makes her feel at home and nourished, reminding her that her circumstances are temporary but music is everlasting.

Oh, What a Feeling

Most of my days are filled with silence. At least that has been my preference ever since I lost my connection to music after the events of 9/11, as I described in a previous post. Before my intimate encounter with terrorism, I listened to music constantly. It was part of the fabric of my being. But the numbness that greeted me that day left me wanting nothing but silence; not even music could move me anymore. If I did listen to a song on the radio, I often felt worse, knowing what I was missing and being reminded of what I once had; pure joy, passion, excitement, peace, intimacy with my Heavenly Father. I was in enough pain, so why torture myself with more. I often felt turning on the radio or popping in a CD was a useless attempt to recapture what I was certain would never return. So, in my car, which is where I usually listened to music, I drove in silence.

All of that ended when my soul was re-awakened the first time I heard the Canadian Tenors when they appeared on Oprah earlier this year. Since getting their debut and Christmas CD’s downloaded on my MP3 player, I am rarely without the sounds of music. More specifically, I am rarely without the sounds of the Tenors! At times I listen just to see if my soul is still alive, as if the emotions I experience through their voices would no longer rise to the surface. Thankfully, that has not happened!

But I mostly listen because I simply love their music and the sound of their voices. I hear something new practically every time I turn on the player. I can once again hear four-part harmonies, which always send chills down my spine. Clifton brings such a gentle strength to the ensemble through his wide vocal range. You can’t help but stand a little taller anytime he sings. Remigio’s enthusiasm is exquisitely articulated through his voice and in the strumming of his guitar on various songs. (And if you’ve never listened to any of his solo works, you’re really missing out! This guy is talented!) Victor brings romance through his operatic voicing; the kind that makes you want to grab the one you love and just let nature take over! Fraser has the most pure-sounding voice I have ever heard. He forces you to connect with the music in such a way that leaves you feeling as if you are one with him and the song. But the intimacy and emotion he exudes allows you to melt willingly. Who else can do that?

My husband and I just returned from a road trip to South Carolina to visit my parents. I brought lots of writing material and, of course, my MP3 player, intent on listening to more of the Tenors. It is about a 10-11 hour drive, and I’m certain I could have listened to them repeatedly for the duration. But I decided to spare my husband and used the earplugs. But even then, I couldn’t exactly ignore him through our entire commute. And I wouldn’t be able to use the earplugs during my leg of the drive. When I climbed behind the wheel, I chose some of my old favorites, just to pass the time. I played Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, some old gospel music, Point of Grace, and Faith Hill; songs I hadn’t heard in a long time. And I couldn’t believe what happened.

Instead of the emptiness I’d felt so much before, I felt full of life listening to these artists and their music. Instead of the dark clouds that hung over me, I felt clear skies, as if God was caressing my face with the sun. I found endless wonders in the melody and strains of the instruments. It was almost like what I had experienced the first time I heard the Canadian Tenors, albeit not as intense. It was just like before 9/11 robbed me of the sweetness, purity and innocence I felt in life and song.

I wasn’t expecting this surprise. But isn’t that how God works? Mysteriously and usually when we’re not looking. While we’re busy looking for the burning bush, He sends His love in the soft, melodious sounds through the voices of the children He created. And, oh, what a feeling.

What do you feel when you listen to music?

BONUS: Check out this sneak peak of the Canadian Tenors and their upcoming PBS special (The Canadian Tenors: Live in Toronto)

The Little Man

There’s a song by Celine Dion called “In His Touch”. It says that a man shouldn’t need to utter a word because “when a man loves a woman, it is in his touch.” I have always believed that sentiment – actions speak louder than words. Being deliberate about action or inaction can make a tremendous impact in the lives of others. But what if you’re incapable of deliberate action?

Such was the case in the life of Hunter Reid Ferrell. Hunter was the son of my best friend, Trinette… oh, heck, I don’t even call her that anymore. Really, she’s my sister and everyone who knows us knows us as just that. So, Hunter was my nephew. Hunter was born in May 2001. I missed his birth because I was off being a stupid, arrogant, prideful journalist. We all know what happens before the fall, right?

Hunt, or the Little Man, as we grew to call him, was born with Dandy Walker malformation which is “a congenital (present at birth) condition involving several abnormalities in the development of the brain. The malformation appears to result from destructive processes, such as inflammation or trauma, which block the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the head after the brain has been formed by the embryo.” (Author Info: Rebecca J. Frey PhD, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I, 2002)

Trinette knew of his condition before birth and doctors recommended she terminate the pregnancy. She refused; knowing that inside her was growing a life created by God and that in His eyes, Hunter was perfect despite his challenges. What a brave and Godly decision. Not many women would have made the same one.

And that Little Man became the apple of so many eyes! He could neither hear nor see, he would never speak or walk or run after a ball or reach for his mommy after scraping his knee. So often I begged God to answer – Why did you let this happen? It would be eight-and-a-half years before I received my answer.

Hunter left this world and returned to the Father on November 13, 2009. Trinette and I (and lots of other people) know that our prayers for healing have finally been answered. What’s better than seeing a little boy run to his mother’s arms? Knowing that same little boy is running into the arms of the Father who created him.

I’m not sure I can give an accurate count to the number of people who filled the church for Hunter’s funeral and celebration of life. For a little boy who couldn’t talk or touch, God used that Little Man in a mighty way to touch many hearts.

The doctors and nurses that cared for Hunter during his many hospital visits were there. His day nurses came with tears. Teachers at Hunt’s school (yes, he did go to school!) and even his school bus driver came. Members of Trinette’s church, friends and family – the list goes on. Hunter reminded us all of the frailty of life and that God has a special plan for each and every one He creates. He certainly knew how to command attention when he wanted to, and he showed us the innocence of love.

Without saying a word, Hunter drew people to the Father. In his struggle for life, he helped the rest of us to live. In the end, he showed his mother strength she didn’t know she had. He showed us all that God answers prayers – always.

Trinette is the bravest woman in the world and Hunter was the luckiest kid to have her as his mommy. And I am blessed because both of them graced my life.

What kind of impact will you leave? Will it be with or without a touch?

The Canadian Tenors – Return to Music

The last nine years have been frustrating for me in many ways regarding what I witnessed on 9/11. So much was lost that day; for some the loss is unfathomable. For me I lost my sense of security, my conviction that, with time, all wounds heal and the feeling that I belong. And there is more but I can say that one of the things I lost that day is what hurts me the most: I lost music.

Music wasn’t especially a big part of my family but it was the biggest part of my life. I dreamed of performing on stage professionally for the rest of my life when I was in my youth! And even though I didn’t go on to become a Rock & Roll star, I still enjoyed performing through community theater well into adulthood. And music remained, flowing through my veins thicker than my blood. Music filled me with such peace and calm. The intricacies of every type of music and every instrument took me to the Throne Room of Heaven like nothing else could. I always felt enveloped by God’s love through the sounds of music.

And then life was interrupted. Research shows that people who are exposed to, are witness to or are the victim of a traumatic experience have those images almost seared into their memory, and as a result, many are diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. A trauma is a wound; PTSD refers to a deep emotional wound. Among the many consequences is an emotional numbness which may present as a lack of interest in activities that used to be enjoyed; an emotional deadness.

My PTSD diagnoses came in 2005, four years after my 9/11 experience. I wouldn’t say that I was entirely dead emotionally but I certainly was numb. And I still am; numb to everything that once brought me great joy, including music. I listened to music constantly and only felt emptiness. The music of my favorite singers and musicians seemed to echo as it flowed flatly through my soul. Eventually, it stopped flowing altogether. I can’t even begin to describe how lonely it is to be without music. Turn it on and turn it as loud as you want, it won’t matter to me anymore. I got to the point where I though I would never find what I once had before.

And then I was introduced to The Canadian Tenors (www.canadiantenors.com). Let me preface this story by saying I am NOT an Oprah fan. But I turned on her show one day last month because my favorite singer, Celine Dion, was scheduled to appear. There was a time when Celine’s sweet, angelic voice could bring me to my knees, and even after 9/11, I still loved her voice. It just didn’t hit me like it used to. I knew she hadn’t changed; I had. So, I tuned in, and discovered the four men of The Canadian Tenors, who were under the impression they were on the show to highlight hot new acts. Instead, Oprah schemed to have Celine, their hero and inspiration as well, surprise them on stage to sing along on their hit song, “Hallelujah” (Cohen).

The instant (member) Fraser Walters opened his lips to sing, I stopped breathing. I didn’t need to breathe anymore because music streamed through my veins again and kept my heart beating through the entire song. Thinking it was a fluke; I downloaded their debut CD and have since felt emotions I haven’t felt in nearly nine years. Listening to these four amazing voices has left me smiling profusely, weeping with joy over the majestic sounds emanating from their vocal chords, striking my soul and returning me to the Throne Room as I did once before, and rejoicing in God’s handiwork. Their giftedness has allowed me to relax every inch of my body and rest, and believe me, that is not an easy task (hyper vigilance – another result of PTSD).

I wish I could say I have experienced the same emotions with other music but it hasn’t happened yet. But I am so thankful for what I have been able to feel through the music of The Canadian Tenors; so much so that I don’t ever want the feeling to end. Unfortunately, once the music stops, so do the emotions. But, wow – what a special, cherished gift I receive when I hear them sing.

Time to grab the MP3 player and return to the music.