Don't know if I can do this

[hdb1982]

Some of you may know, my family has a band. I sing and my dad his brother, my brother and my cousin. Well, we used to sing every Saturday night but do to my dad being sick we have only performed 1 time in 6 months. This lady who visits where we sing called me to day and asked me to do something but I don't know if I can do this or not. Her 3 year old grand daughter died yesterday as a result of child abuse by her father. Really horrific abuse. She wants me to sing "concrete angel" by Martina Mc Bride at her grand daughters funeral Saturday. I know I can sing that isn't he issue. I have sang in public for a long time. I have sung at several funerals as well but never a child. And never under these circumstances. I dont know if I can keep it together. I have been practicing since she called and I sound fine but I am not at the funeral home with this little angel laying beside me. I am not worried about my "performance" I just don't know if I can mentally handle it. I really want to do it for her family. We have know them for years. I sand at my paps funeral last year but again different circumstances. He was 70 years old and fought an illness for a long time. This baby is only 3 and the events that caused her death make me sick to my stomach. Does anyone have any advice on how to calm myself or keep it together? I really really want to do this, I feel honored that she asked. I will have to travel for the service but I will do that anyways to pay my respects. I am going 100 different ways here. I just want to make sure if I do it I can keep it together and give her my best, I can't do my best if I am sobbing. Any advise will be greatly appreciated. Please ask God to take this angle into His arms and keep her safe and let her rest in peace. Her name was Maddy. Thanks

[kuntrygurl78]

I think you have to do it. Just remember that you are singing it for her and all the other children who have, unfortunately, been in her position. If you fall apart when singing it, its ok. Just cry and sing thru it the best you can.

I know this isnt the same but I was in a situation where I cried and sang at the same time. When I was a teen, there was a group of us at my tiny church that were really close. We always did the entire church service once a year, and looked forward to it. Well, we were getting to the age where we were all going off to college and going our separate ways. We knew this would be our last service together. We decided to sing "Friends" by Michael W Smith. By the end of the song, the three of us that were left up there were crying, along with the others that decided to step off the stage to cry. I just felt that I had to do it. Crying or not.

You can do this. She is an angel. She will be in your heart.:angel:

[dg2901]

IF this were me I'd definitely do it.

Re: how to get through it physically/mentally...a lot, if not all funeral homes have a separate room for those who will be singing, reading, etc; and its set up this way just for the reason you're referring to--so you're somewhat "separated" from the situation.
If this were me I'd stay as distant as physically possible prior to the service and my song; enter the area that you'll be singing from immediately prior to your turn; once your song is over if you feel up to it physically and mentally *then* join the rest of the congregation.

This is such an awful situation to be in given the circumstances. Just think how much you must mean to this grieving family to have been asked to sing at the services.

Bless this little one and her family for eternity.
Diana

[ICNDonna]

Just keep thinking that you can do it. And if you're really concerned, you might ask your doctor about taking something to calm you just before you sing.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[leelee88]

Heather,

As hard as this may seem, I know you have the heart to carry this through:angel:

You can do this, Just during the song you have to concentrate on your singing and not your emotions. I understand that it will even be harder under the circumstances but God has gave you this lovely voice and now is the time to use it..Sending you encouraging thoughts and (((hugs))) and if you need anything I am here for you!

[jaime15]

God will give you strength to get through it. And if you get upset, you're human........nothing wrong with that at all.:angel:

[Berkshire Road]

Give it to God, and God will give you the strength to sing with all your heart, and to give this poor baby the voice that should have been heard while she was alive.

Maddy is at peace. Open yourself up to the peace of the new little angel and accept the power that God grants to all those who speak -- or sing -- for those who have no voices.

[dancemomof2]

Oh poor baby how sad, you can do it. I hope my mom saves the Dominion post so I can read this. I personally hate to hear stories like this.

[hdb1982]

Oh poor baby how sad, you can do it. I hope my mom saves the Dominion post so I can read this. I personally hate to hear stories like this.

It isn't local Leslie. Maddy lived in, I think it is, Hill something in southwestern virginia. My dad is going to drive me there. I know it is a few hours away. If I find out what newspaper is in that area I will post it so you can read the story. I have been searching online but can't find anything. I have tried calling Carolyn, the grandma, to tell her I would do it vut haven't been able to reach her. I have left 3 messages. I am sure they are just trying to get all of the arrangements taken care of. They told me Saturday but I have no further info. Like the time or place so I am assuming it isn't going to be Saturdayor nmaybe they changed their minds about me singing. I think if that were the case someone would have let me know. I am not going to call anymore, I think 3 messages is enough. I don't want to bother them I am just afraid of not having enough notice to make it there on time. Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement it means alot. ~ Heather

[dancemomof2]

Becareful. We are all praying for the family.