Note: Most of this material was originally posted June 2, 2008, when Val died.

Lady Lawanda aka Val Murdy, the woman in my life for the last three years, exhibited the courage, understanding, and grace that were her trademark until her death this morning [at time of original posting in 2008].

Two years earlier, on the deck overlooking my back lawn, she and I first listened to the songs from Anjani’s Blue Alert album. Aware of her prognosis even then, she was at once taken by the words and sounds of “The Nightingale” and arranged for it to be played at her memorial service. Many times since then, especially in the days and weeks just past, she turned to this same song which resonated deeply with her to provide comfort and succor.

Anjani – The Nightingale
Lyrics by Leonard Cohen

 

 

I built my house beside the wood
So I could hear you singing
And it was sweet and it was good
And love was all beginning

Fare thee well my nightingale
‘Twas long ago I found you
Now all your songs of beauty fail
The forest closes ’round you

The sun goes down behind a veil
‘Tis now that you would call me
So rest in peace my nightingale
Beneath your branch of holly

Fare thee well my nightingale
I lived but to be near you
Though you are singing somewhere still
I can no longer hear you