There are dozens of news articles today celebrating the life of Etta James. Discussing how she grew up and rose to fame and talking about her soulful voice. There are so many things to say about her. For me though, her death is different. Etta James’ music touched me and my family in a very personal way.
My Uncle Justin was an incredible man. An artist with a love for life and his family. Our days were instantly brighter when he was there. No one could make you laugh like him. He was our biggest (truly, he was 6′ 4″) and most enthusiastic cheerleader. He sent his nieces and nephews letters filled with drawings and brought us little gifts from his dumpster diving and thrift shopping escapades. He was always there to lend a hand and guide us to making the best decisions. We loved and still love him with an intense passion. There is no one like him.
During his final months of life he loved to listen to Etta James sing “At Last.” He said it was like a massage for his brain. We all played it over and over for him. With all the pain he was in, it was one of the only things we could do to make him relax and smile. The night he died many of us were gathered at the hospice. We all went in and said our hellos and goodbyes. The children then went to the waiting room while his sisters stayed with him, gathered around his bed. “At Last” playing the background and each of them holding on to him. The music filled the room, relaxing him. And as Etta sang “and here we are in heaven…” he died.
For a year I listened to At Last every single day. Sometimes I would sob uncontrollably and other days I would smile remembering him. The death of Etta James brings me to tears. I can’t thank her enough for what she gave my Uncle and my family during his final days. She will always hold a special place in my heart for the pleasure she gave my Uncle. I hope they are singing together in heaven.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for sharing such a poignant family memory. We are lucky to have these kind of musical memories (I have several with my father and I) to keep a present awareness of life’s innate fragility, but also to help us continue forth, bolstered by the love of those gone before us. Thanks for the reminder.
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graceelena Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 22:39
Thank you for reading and sharing, Brian.
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What a beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing, Grace.
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graceelena Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 22:39
Thank you for reading.
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What a beautiful and deeply touching story – a real testament to the power of music. I’m sure that Etta will meet up in heaven with everyone who loved.
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with everyone who loved her, and definitely with your uncle.
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She touched my life too and I was truly sad to hear about her passing, but this was a touching story that made me smile. I’m glad I read this, and I’m glad you have something so special to remind you of your loved one.
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