One of the pieces of music I chose for D's funeral was Ashokan Farewell. It appeared in a film about the Civil War in the US. The film also featured a version of this music in the background as an accompaniment to a letter which was read out. The letter was written by Sullivan Ballou to his wife, Sarah, in 1861. One week later, Ballou was killed. Here is an extract from that very beautiful letter.
" But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you, in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights............. always, always, and if there be a soft breeze on your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again."
Isn't this beautiful?
Little Jen
