Tony Memmel – a wonderful man. He has been a friend of the family for years … and he is an amazing musician. We asked him to sing at Owen’s funeral and I was so amazed with the calmness his voice brought me through the service. It seemed fitting for him to sing at Owen’s funeral as I had just bought Tony’s new CD and it’s pretty much all the music that Owen heard during his short life. I used to play it on my iTunes while cooking – Owen usually in a bumbo on the kitchen table helping me cook. His music is forever laced with my last memories of Owen.
He sang Amazing Grace … that song will never be the same again. It resonated through the church and in my heart. A few weeks later, I asked if he had ever recorded the song – he said no. Then I jokingly asked him if he would consider calling me and singing it into my voicemail. Ok I sort of meant it – I really wanted to hear him sing the song again 🙂
Then I received the gift of Owen’s Song. The emotion that song has helped me feel – it’s incomprehensible. Hearing him sing the song at his home shows … it’s brought me great pride for Owen, healing through belting out the words and strength to know that the song reaches others.
And then just when you think Tony has given me a gift that can’t be topped – he wrote a blog post yesterday. It’s three videos – personal little performances of Owen’s Song and Amazing Grace. THANK YOU TONY! It caught my breath – made be hold it for just a second. Then the thought “he remembered!” It was a year ago that I joked with him about leaving a recording on my voicemail. Tony is amazing … at singing and at just being an awesome person and friend.
This video shares a little bit of Owen’s funeral. I often reflect that I didn’t write too much about my experience that day. I was numb. But this song helps you to understand the strength I find in music. How I can get lost in the melody and the sound of someone else’s voice. A little haven in the midst of everything going on … music helps me feel closer to God. It’s at the very foundation of my faith.
Please join me for your very own mini concert by Tony and hear a little bit of Owen’s funeral. >>CLICK HERE<<
Love, Mel