Mary Kay's Cary Days

June 28, 2007

Dear Friends,

I wish to thank all of you who sent cards, called or emailed me after my brief stay at the hospital last weekend. A wake-up call to take better care of myself! It is so nice to be reminded of the caring at a personal level that is evident daily to the staff in so many circumstances here at the Kirk.

It has been my honor to provide music for two memorial services in the last few days, for Sara Saunders and for Melvin Harmon. I have recently been reading “This is Your Brain on Music” by Daniel J. Levitan, a neuroscientist, session musician and sound engineer. After years of research, he believes that our brains are hardwired for music and that we all are more musically equipped than we think. Our perceptions begin to be formed even before birth. Levitan, and many others in his field, maintain that it is at the heart of human nature, perhaps even more fundamental in our species than language. It is no wonder to me that music brings many so much comfort, stirs memories, and is an expression of deep emotion.

A special thanks to Elizabeth Luttrell and Katherine Olson for singing at worship last week. “The Living Prayer” by Alison Krausse is always beautiful. Thanks to the ASP group for teaching us a new song!

This Sunday, the women of the Buning family will be offering special music for our worship service. I am very grateful for their gifts.

See you Sunday!

Peace,

Mary Kay