For Shannon

This post will be short.

This week, I learned that a friend from high school, band, and flute choir had passed away. Her name is Shannon Bahk, and we played together for many years.

Today is her funeral.

Shannon had cancer, and she had been undergoing various treatments for a few years. Earlier this summer I learned that she had decided to halt the treatments. She told me this herself, as our other friend Marilyn was pushing her wheelchair into a room at the flute convention, for a concert. I had to turn away and cry a little, and Marilyn did an excellent job of pulling me back. I don't think Shannon noticed. She has been so strong, so brave: I didn't want her to see me without a smile. I tried.

Shannon worked so hard at everything: she pushed herself academically, she worked with young people, and she cared about people. She always wanted to know how I was, and truly listened to the answers. I'd heard her play the flute for so many years, but I really heard her playing match her spirit at one flute concert a few years ago: she had achieved a pure tone that was as beautiful as it could be. I was proud of her, and happy to hear it.

Some of us from the flute choir will be playing for her later this afternoon, and though we didn't have much time to put it together, the six of us will do our best to play as beautifully for her as she deserves. Right now I'm trying to focus on getting everything ready, covering all the bases, making sure I have everything, including a working flute (I had to make an emergency stop at the music store this morning to address a couple of funky keys. Brendan at Morey's Music Store came through and was able to rush the repairs, and my flute is perfect now). I'm going to stop writing now so I can go warm up for a little while. I'm trying to concentrate on these things because I have a job to do. I have sometimes (not often), with my playing, felt the beauty of the moment, and sometimes, other people have too. I'm hoping today is one of those times. For Shannon.