A-Mae-Sing: The final piece

So this is a picture that Rachel took of our brothers and their friends. You may wonder what this has to do with "the final piece." On April 19 their good friend Cody Simmons took his own life. Cody was the brother of one of my dear friends from high school Cortney. This news was hard to hear, because I was not there to support my friends and family in their time of need, and because it was hard to believe that someone so young with so much potential ahead of him was silently suffering until it was too late. It really got me thinking about the choices I make and how it affects the people around me, it also had me thinking about my number one desire which is to be with my family for eternity. Even if it isn't true, the mere idea of the plan of salvation is the most beautiful concept I have ever heard, not only can we receive eternal life, but a chance for eternal progression, this idea is enough that I will do everything in my power to attain it. I trust that the Lord knows our hearts, and as one of my favorite church songs "Consider the Lilies" states, "the pain of all of them he carries" I know the Lord is merciful and I feel so blessed to have that knowledge. All of my trials and goals that I tried to attain from this past semester seem so insignificant in comparison to the ultimate test and goal which is to endure to the end so that I can return to my Heavenly Father.

As you may notice, all of the boys are wearing purple, this was Cody's favorite color, and as it turned out the same color of dress and paper that I picked out for my recital.

As you may have guessed my thoughts were not entirely with my last piece of work here at Eastman, rehearsals were difficult especially since the majority of my recital had a melancholy feel to it musically and textually. Many times I would take a break from rehearsing in order to let the tears stop flowing. My heart ached because I felt that I was alone and could do nothing to show my love except maybe a phone call, which seemed insignificant. Then a thought occurred to me when I found out that these boys had all worn purple to school. I decided to dedicate my performance to Cody and all those who are in search of peace.

I hope my family and friends know how much I love and adore them and all that they do for me, this life is tough, but it can be easier when we learn to rely on each other and more importantly our Savior Jesus Christ, and our Father in Heaven.

Here am I in my purple after the recital

Me and Professor Ciesinski (I love my teacher!)

Me and Em (if you spell Em backwards it spells Me)

Me right after the performance, with Elizabeth Smith in the background, she was my roommate during the fall semester and she was my page turner for my recital.