by Laura Sandage
www.LaurasChapel.com
Kaitie says: Laura is a wild spirit, incredible poet, artist, spiritual guide and songmaker. She leads the Free Range Singers, Davis CA, and is part of the Ubuntu Choirs Network. She also, through a mutual friend’s musical introduction, was a musical idol of mine long before I ever met her. When I finally did meet her, it was at the funeral for Claudia Maupin and Chip Northup; the Davis community was rocked by their deaths and it was a big, intense event. We were all reeling, in shock. Things felt surreal.
Laura seemed like a beacon of pure light, even in that situation, and she was so friendly to me I was sort of beside myself. Fortunately, I must not have embarrassed myself too much because she has remained a friend and inspiration to me over the years.
Laura sent me this song as we chatted by Facebook messenger after the funeral. When faced with a tragedy beyond comprehension, like the murder of Claudia and Chip, what can we even do with ourselves? This song was Laura’s answer to that question and I was touched she shared it with me.
I sang it with my brand new choir at our very first concert, before we were even part of the Ubuntu Choirs Network. Amazingly, I realized day-of that our first concert was held on Claudia Maupin’s birthday, so we dedicated the song to her.
Lyrics:
How can I know anything with certainty?
How can I know anything for sure?
I can stop
Am I breathing?
Stop
Am I listening?
Stop
Is my heart opening to love, to love?
Opening to love