Yesterday (July 11) marked two years since my dear friend passed through the eternal veil to find his place in God's great kingdom. We had worked together making music for over 50 years.  Steve progressed at an incredible rate as a pianist and songwriter. His talent to express not only his thoughts, but thoughts, feelings, and life experiences that most people, if not all, could relate to were beyond that of any writer I've ever encountered. 

     Steve was a remarkable human being, kind, generous, wise, caring with a sincere and genuine concern for others. I will share a song he wrote, specifically for his daughters, but anybody who knew Steve knew this was his legacy. I cannot decide which is more beautiful, the words or the music of this song. If you read this post, please try to listen to it on the web, it is a most touching piece of music:

                                                                                             If I Gave You Anything

If I gave you anything… Leave you now with anything.

If I gave you anything

Did I place the seed within?

A seed of love to grow in you.

To bring you joy and give you hope.

Did I show you how to live?

Did I show you how to love?

To be loyal… to be true.

To be generous and kind

To the stranger and the friend.

Did I give you inspiration

To do your very best?

Did I give you an example

By the life that I have lived?

If I gave you anything… If I leave you with a thing.

If I gave you anything

Did I teach you to believe?

To have faith in who you are?

To dream a noble dream?

If I gave you anything.

Did I show you the beauty

The miracle of life?

Did I teach you to appreciate

The wonders of this world?

Did I teach you to be thankful

For the blessings you receive?

To treasure every moment

Every minute of your life.

If I gave you anything,

Let it be my destiny.

If I leave you a thing,

May I leave a legacy,

A legacy of love

By the life that I have lived.

If I gave you anything… Leave you a thing…

The world is a famous, moving symphony. It’s beautiful, familiar… but with a fullness that’s abruptly diminished. Like when an instrument’s string breaks, and notes are missing.

A morning choir of birds trills to welcome the day with coloraturas bright as sunlight. Their whistle-y shenanigans are inspiring. They sing of new life. But I find myself hearing another song … and a voice that’s now silent.

Our Golden Retriever ritually blasts open each new day with the zoomies all over our living room. I typically laugh at his exuberance, frenetic as a fresh, cold, mighty river splashing joy down the side of a mountain’s steep stoicism. But today I only smiled. I thought of another whose dogs wagged out laughter.

All matter is energy, and all energy is vibration. Today, I feel everything quivering as a weaker waveform, like a lightening rod in some black hole somewhere has tapped some vibrancy, stolen some spirit, pilfered some pizzazz.

I know we all taste the kiss of oblivion. I shall too one day.

That might taste better than being left behind.

But the songs shall go on. I shall sing through the sound we found and formed and resonated - with gusto from the gut, imagination unbound.

Counting the days, Steve. Here’s to our NEXT great song. Love you.

Sorry to hear about steve-we went to school together-good guy!!!!

Amy-my heart is with you and your lovely family. Steve leaves behind many laughs and so much appreciation for his gifts and talents. A joy to know both of you.

I was saddened when I heard the news of Steven's passing. My heart goes out to the whole family.

Sharon Stellingworth 

Grace and Ed,

I am so sorry for your loss. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

My heart aches for you, Amy, Annie, Samantha & family.  Stevie was a remarkably talented man, crazy fun, & one of the kindest men ever. We have all lost a very special man. 

I care so much❤️