This man beside us also has a hard
fight with an unfavouring world, with strong temptations, with doubts and
fears, with wounds of the past which have skinned over, but which smart when
they are touched. It is a fact, however surprising. And when this occurs to us
we are moved to deal kindly with him, to bid him be of good cheer, to let him
understand that we are also fighting a battle; we are bound not to irritate
him, nor press hardly upon him nor help his lower self. ~ John Watson
Last year, I
took part in an extraordinary event that embodied benevolence and peace through
the purpose of uniting mankind. It was Kindness is Key’s attempt to break the Guinness World Records by creating the largest Human Peace
Sign. This also happened to be taking place on the nine month mark of Shayla’s
passing.
While in
attendance, I listened to the performers on stage share their gifts through
music. An Irish woman, Denise Hagan, caught my attention immediately with her
angel voice which resonated through me. She
is an inspirational performer who has travelled worldwide and blessed countless
others with her gift.
I wanted to
bring home with me, the tapestry of her knowledge and share with others her lyrics
that bring joy to the soul. The CD I purchased, For those who hear, was infused with celebration. One
particular song featured: Lady Lavender
was written for her niece. At the time, I had no idea how impacted my life
would be by this song of commemoration.
On December
12, 2012- one year after my beloved daughter- Shayla Driver passed away, I
stood amongst others at a Candle Light Vigil. This gathering was to reflect on
a young woman, whose many contributions to life; including bringing change to
McKinley Landing road, were recognized. I chose four songs which I believed echoed
the care-free spirit of my precious child. Amongst the sounds of Lifehouse, The
Beatles, and Sugarland, I played the divine song by Denise Hagan. As the tears were shared in the droplets of our
grief, Lady Lavender could be
heard-carrying across Okanagan Lake- where Shayla had spent endless summer days,
swimming.
Recently, I
had the wonderful opportunity to hear Denise Hagan perform live, once again.
Her gifts come in a multitude of songwriting, storytelling, and exploring the
magic of creative hearts. Those in attendance were treated to an evening of enchantment,
leaving us mesmerized through all Denise offered us and wanting more.
Prior to
meeting Miss Hagan, I spoke with her wonderful assistant, Rebecca. I shared
about my late daughter and how the music had been a way of grounding me with my
grieving to the importance of honouring Shayla’s life in a creative, positive
manner. I gave Rebecca the link to the cause I started and was happy to have
spoken with her.
I was
fortunate to finally meet the inspiration performer and share with her about
Shayla,
The Heart Pebble Movement, and how her song, Lady
Lavender touched the hearts of those who attended the vigil, in my daughter’s
memory. Denise held onto my hands and warmly received the message I wanted to
pass along. Rebecca took several pictures of us and I gave Denise the link to
the movement.
One of the
places Shayla had always spoke of travelling to; was Ireland, and it is my hope
that somehow a pebble will find its way on a journey to a unique place.
At the
evening of song and storytelling, I met with the two ladies who are Cofounders
of Kindness is Key. Both Patricia Connor and Joyce Ross
expressed their desire to share and have me come participate in the next Peace
sign event on Saturday, September 21, 2013.
Additionally,
they will be part of a HEART
AWAKENING Self-Worthshop, being held on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Denise Hagan will also be
sharing about Awakening your Creative Heart. Further information can be found
by visiting the following websites:
Denise Hagan’s website: http://www.denisehagan.com/
Kindness is
Key: WWW.KINDNESSISKEY.COM
An array of
her music can be purchased, which promotes well-being and our connection with
the divine source of life.
Prior to
attending the concert, I had received awful news on two friends who were
enduring trauma- each in their own separate way. After listening to Denise’s
performance, I was granted assurance in knowing, I was offering much of the
same compassion to the world that had been given to me throughout my greatest
loss.
Since the loss of my daughter, every day, brings an assortment of emotions. I often
will recall times when I felt there was no strength to carry me, yet I cannot
let fear of the unknown hold me back. While I am a bereaved parent, I am still
a mother whose meaning of joyfulness has been restructured. I now see gratitude
in a new light, knowing that my uncertainty makes me want to reconnect with
life.
Whether it is
found in the smoothness of a pebble, in the lyrics of a song, or holding hands
in a peace sign; my grieving journey reminds me what it is to be able to feel,
hear and touch as I connect with the roots of my existence.
By T.L. Alton
