My uncle Tony recently passed away. He was a lawyer, but one of my fondest memories is of him playing the guitar and singing. When I took up the guitar in high school, he gave me some pointers. After my grandmother passed, I sang “I’ll Fly Away,” and he accompanied me on guitar.
According to Wikipedia, “I’ll Fly Away” was written in 1929 by Albert P. Brumley and published in 1932 by the Hartford Music Company in a collection called Wonderful Message. It was inspired by the 1924 ballad, “The Prisoner’s Song.” Frequently used in worship services, it’s the most recorded gospel song.
When I was working as a registered music therapist in a nursing home, a local church group ended its weekly services at the facility with this song. One of the residents asked to have it sung at her funeral, and her wish was granted.
So, when we were discussing what songs I should sing at Grandma’s funeral, I suggested “I’ll Fly Away,” and Uncle Tony offered to accompany me. I don’t have a recording of that. So, my guitar playing will have to do. Rest in peace, Uncle Tony.
By the way, for those of you who use the National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled, The Red Dress is available for download from their site here. Thank you for reading. Stay safe, happy, and healthy, and may you always have positive experiences.
New! The Red Dress
Copyright July 2019 by DLD Books
When Eve went to her high school senior prom, she wore a red dress that her mother had made for her. That night, after dancing with the boy of her dreams, she caught him in the act with her best friend. Months later, Eve, a freshman in college, is bullied into giving the dress to her roommate. After her mother finds out, their relationship is never the same again.
Twenty-five years later, Eve, a bestselling author, is happily married with three children. Although her mother suffers from dementia, she still remembers, and Eve still harbors the guilt for giving the dress away. When she receives a Facebook friend request from her old college roommate and an invitation to her twenty-five-year high school class reunion, then meets her former best friend by chance, she must confront the past in order to face the future.
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My Corner 
I am sorry for your loss.
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Thank you.
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Those sound like fond memories, Abbie. Hopefully, they bring some comfort. I am sorry for your loss.
Being a music therapist must have been very rewarding. Music is surely a universal language that has the ability to comfort, soothe, heal, encourage – a powerful tool.
Very nice accompaniment 🙂
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Thank you. Yes, my work as a music therapist was rewarding. I appreciate your comment.
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