The Annual Memorial Service at Seattle Children's Hospital

Beginning in 1994 I have been honored to be part of the music for the annual Memorial Service at Seattle Children’s Hospital. I can think of nothing harder or more unnatural than losing a child. At the service held each June children who died are remembered by name and in pictures and with flowers and by candlelight and in a memory book. They are celebrated in prayers and in songs. They are summoned in stories told by social workers and physicians and caregivers as well as often still grieving parents.

It is a once a year experience that consistently brings me to tears and always leaves me inspired and connected to something bigger than myself.

I am including a picture from this June's memorial of the table in the front of the auditorium containing mementos of battles fought and lives remembered.