My father succumbed to lung cancer in 2007. Setting this poem helped me
through the grieving process. Bill Merideth was not a musician by trade, but did
enjoy playing the guitar every now and again. The accompaniment found in the
opening section represents some of the chords that he would strum in his recliner
after a hard week of work.
As the piece progresses, the accompaniment becomes more complex representing
the extensive chemotherapy that may have extended my father's life, but certainly
changed him. Finally, as the text brings us closer to death in the final stanza, the
accompaniment is now absent, representing my father's last days in hospice where
he could no longer care for himself.
I certainly believe in the healing power of music and hope that this setting brings
comfort and peace to you as it continues to do so for me.

Please feel free to share your experiences with this piece at tylermerideth.com.

Tyler

Song List: 1. Victims of War 2. Ave Maria 3. Meditation: 9-11-01 4. Agnus Dei I 5. Meditation: Preemptive Strike 6. Agnus Dei II 7. Ave maris stella 8. Meditation: Hope

Ruth Elaine Schram sums up a mother's love in this new anthem, destined to become a classic. A Mother's Hands is the ideal anthem for Mother's Day, but also contains an optional text, making it suitable for Christmas as well.

Song List: Awake There, Arise As a Mother for Her Children Beat the Drums of Welcome Behold, the Holy Lamb of God Be Merciful to Us, O God Bless The Lord, O My Soul Chiuta Is Our Sure Defense Christ Yesu Was Born (Odi, Odi) Come, Let Us Seek Our God's Protection Come, Let Us Walk This Road Together Crowds Following Yesu Everyone's Rejoicing Gift of God to Humankind Glorious Light Has Dawned God Grant That We May Be Transformed God Sends Us the Spirit God's Home Is Here God, We Pray Here in Your Sight Great Chiuta Help Us, God, to Be Peace-makers He Must Die or All Will Perish Humbly in Your Sight If It's Peace You Long For, Friends Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love Just as a Lamb Is Led to the Slaughter Leap, Leap My Soul Let the World Unite and Sing Life of the World Night Has Fallen Our Troubles Do Abound Should We Accept that Evil Means Sing Welcome to Our Savior To Loving Yesu, Our Dearest Friend We're Glad that We Belong to You We May Choose to Walk (Free to Serve) We Remember You, Our Yesu When Our Savior Yesu Went Away Yesu Bids Us Work for Peace and Justice Yesu Born in Bethlehem Yesu Our Child at Home Lies Dying Yesu's Calling You Who Wait to See a King