Since Kindermusik’s beginnings, we’ve been blessed to hear the stories of the children in your Kindermusik programs. And, every once in a great while, we hear another kind of story -- a story about a child who has passed away, by illness or by accident. Each time, it causes pause, and leaves us all in startled wonder -- wanting a way to honor and remember those precious lives.
Kindermusik has recently commissioned artist Andrea Eberbach to create what we feel is reflective of how precious our Kindermusik Angels truly are. And, we are using this artwork in a Kindermusik Angels memory book whose pages will be dedicated to these precious little angels. Please help us remember these children, as we create this memory book. We have a few stories that have been provided thus far, one of which is about Anastasia Jane Marie Lee, a former student of educator and Maestro Katie Henderson, whose story you will read below. Email cschor@kindermusik.com today for a “My Kindermusik Angel” form which you can use in providing the details to us about your precious angel.
Anastasia Jane Marie Lee: Anastasia came to Kindermusik at the age of 11 months, the third child of Bob & Xandra (pronounced “Shandra”) Lee. Though Anastasia had disabilities from birth, these advanced when, at the age of 6 months, during the course of open heart surgery, she stopped breathing, and the lack of oxygen resulted in brain damage and a myriad of disabilities which would cause complications that, eventually, led to her death.
Anastasia’s mom shared with vivid recall riding in the car with Anastasia – her screaming uncontrollably - and how she would immediately cease to cry when her Kindermusik CD began to be played. Similarly, I remember how Anastasia responded instantly to music in class; Unable to walk, she would “scootch” across the Kindermusik floor; the moment she heard music, particularly the “Hello” song, her eyes would open wider than a child’s possibly could, I thought. I can still clearly picture the largest, most beautiful eyes I have ever seen on a child in the face of Anastasia. The corner of her lips, too, would curl up in a smile, and as teacher, you knew, without a doubt, that she was right there with you, and at least, for that moment, there was nothing but joy in her heart. What she did not know is that the joy in her heart spilled over to mine each and every week we shared class together. I never left a class with Anastasia in it that I didn’t feel a great sense not only of renewal of purpose in our mission of changing lives with music, but, even more, I felt the love which music alone can bring to hearts, and the power that it has to connect, no matter what the circumstances of life.
Anastasia died on September 2, 1999 at the age of 23 months. Interestingly enough, the Lees have always referred to Anastasia as their little angel, and have collected many “reminder” angels over the years since her death. The Lees have since had three more children, all of whom are currently enrolled in Kindermusik. Because of Anastasia, Kindermusik lives on in the Lee family and beyond.* Each week, when I see Rem, her 2 1/2 year old brother, in my class, I think, too, of Anastasia. She is looking down on us, as a constant reminder of the power of music to connect, nurture and sustain in a powerful way. She reminds me, as an angel from above, of the incredible privilege we have, as Kindermusik educators, to be able to share the treasure of music with children and families across the world. Thank you, Anastasia!
Personal note from Katie Henderson: By the way, Anastasia’s response to music, long ago, has fueled my personal mission to serve families of children with special needs. We did so, officially, last fall, in a collaborative effort with an agency in our area who serves such families exclusively. We raised nearly $1,000 to sponsor children last year. The Lees were the very first to step up and contribute a full scholarship, in Anastasia’s memory, to an at risk child, for the fall, 2007 semester. Anastasia’s gifts will live on!
Kindermusik has recently commissioned artist Andrea Eberbach to create what we feel is reflective of how precious our Kindermusik Angels truly are. And, we are using this artwork in a Kindermusik Angels memory book whose pages will be dedicated to these precious little angels. Please help us remember these children, as we create this memory book. We have a few stories that have been provided thus far, one of which is about Anastasia Jane Marie Lee, a former student of educator and Maestro Katie Henderson, whose story you will read below. Email cschor@kindermusik.com today for a “My Kindermusik Angel” form which you can use in providing the details to us about your precious angel.
Anastasia Jane Marie Lee: Anastasia came to Kindermusik at the age of 11 months, the third child of Bob & Xandra (pronounced “Shandra”) Lee. Though Anastasia had disabilities from birth, these advanced when, at the age of 6 months, during the course of open heart surgery, she stopped breathing, and the lack of oxygen resulted in brain damage and a myriad of disabilities which would cause complications that, eventually, led to her death.
Anastasia’s mom shared with vivid recall riding in the car with Anastasia – her screaming uncontrollably - and how she would immediately cease to cry when her Kindermusik CD began to be played. Similarly, I remember how Anastasia responded instantly to music in class; Unable to walk, she would “scootch” across the Kindermusik floor; the moment she heard music, particularly the “Hello” song, her eyes would open wider than a child’s possibly could, I thought. I can still clearly picture the largest, most beautiful eyes I have ever seen on a child in the face of Anastasia. The corner of her lips, too, would curl up in a smile, and as teacher, you knew, without a doubt, that she was right there with you, and at least, for that moment, there was nothing but joy in her heart. What she did not know is that the joy in her heart spilled over to mine each and every week we shared class together. I never left a class with Anastasia in it that I didn’t feel a great sense not only of renewal of purpose in our mission of changing lives with music, but, even more, I felt the love which music alone can bring to hearts, and the power that it has to connect, no matter what the circumstances of life.
Anastasia died on September 2, 1999 at the age of 23 months. Interestingly enough, the Lees have always referred to Anastasia as their little angel, and have collected many “reminder” angels over the years since her death. The Lees have since had three more children, all of whom are currently enrolled in Kindermusik. Because of Anastasia, Kindermusik lives on in the Lee family and beyond.* Each week, when I see Rem, her 2 1/2 year old brother, in my class, I think, too, of Anastasia. She is looking down on us, as a constant reminder of the power of music to connect, nurture and sustain in a powerful way. She reminds me, as an angel from above, of the incredible privilege we have, as Kindermusik educators, to be able to share the treasure of music with children and families across the world. Thank you, Anastasia!
Personal note from Katie Henderson: By the way, Anastasia’s response to music, long ago, has fueled my personal mission to serve families of children with special needs. We did so, officially, last fall, in a collaborative effort with an agency in our area who serves such families exclusively. We raised nearly $1,000 to sponsor children last year. The Lees were the very first to step up and contribute a full scholarship, in Anastasia’s memory, to an at risk child, for the fall, 2007 semester. Anastasia’s gifts will live on!
1 comment:
Katie, Your story brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing such a precious memory.
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