Summary: In early 2010, Elaine McGillicuddy lost her husband to bone cancer. Elaine has created her own grieving process rooted in daily rituals. She is embracing the death of her husband Francis as though it were not the end, but the next phase of their marriage.
The first time I became aware of love embodied, it was witnessing Francis and Elaine. Not that I could articulate what it was, just that something rare was before me. Listening to this piece, one can feel that love is not only as strong as death but outlives death. Eternal, sacred and true with living proof. Blessings on all who helped share this.
Elaine and I, sisters with a similar story. She helped me to validate my own experiences in grieving. Knowing her and Francis has softened the hardness; listening to her articulate expressions has helped me to affirm that love is a timeless living reality.
I count myself among the many who feel fortunate
to know Elaine. She shared her writing with her community
as the death process took her beloved.
I felt then, as I do now, the clarity and comfort of her words and
her voice. Her ability to convey deep thoughts and feelings on a very personal subject
help me to understand better. I hope Elaine will write her book and
this will guide me when the time comes, to make my own transition in life's continuing journey.
What a beautiful and inspiring eight minutes! Three times I gave up on signing up to hear it, and I am glad I kept up the effort. Deep down I knew that if I actually were to hear the whole thing, I knew that I would be very glad that I did. I think about death every day and this story is a help to me. Thank you Elaine for giving it to us!
It’s never easy to process a stranger’s grief. But with her story of Elaine and Francis, Carolyn Barnwell finds an unexpected joy and lightness, a relationship that earns our involvement before meditating on the loss.
Comments for Sing and I Will Hear You
Produced by Carolyn Barnwell
Other pieces by Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Rating Summary
10 comments
Kate Sullivan
Posted on September 17, 2014 at 06:13 PM | Permalink
Stunning
Unbelievably moving, deep piece with an unusually articulate subject. Amazing take on music and love.
Julien Olivier
Posted on February 20, 2011 at 01:47 PM | Permalink
Sing and I will hear you
Thank you, Elaine--and you, Francis. And Carolyn...and PRX. J&J
Pam Curran
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 07:50 PM | Permalink
Eternal flame
The first time I became aware of love embodied, it was witnessing Francis and Elaine. Not that I could articulate what it was, just that something rare was before me. Listening to this piece, one can feel that love is not only as strong as death but outlives death. Eternal, sacred and true with living proof. Blessings on all who helped share this.
Robert B. McAteer
Posted on February 07, 2011 at 03:15 PM | Permalink
Bob McAteer
Beautiful, uplifting and inspiring.
Joseph Buonomo
Posted on February 04, 2011 at 06:32 PM | Permalink
LOVE RETURNS
Elaine it's as beautiful as you and Francis. Think of you often and the beautiful love you and Francis shared and still share. Joe B, Saco Maine
Victoria Di Benedetto
Posted on February 03, 2011 at 07:27 PM | Permalink
Vicki Di
Elaine and I, sisters with a similar story. She helped me to validate my own experiences in grieving. Knowing her and Francis has softened the hardness; listening to her articulate expressions has helped me to affirm that love is a timeless living reality.
l. h.
Posted on February 02, 2011 at 11:43 AM | Permalink
Elaine is a source of inspiration
I count myself among the many who feel fortunate
to know Elaine. She shared her writing with her community
as the death process took her beloved.
I felt then, as I do now, the clarity and comfort of her words and
her voice. Her ability to convey deep thoughts and feelings on a very personal subject
help me to understand better. I hope Elaine will write her book and
this will guide me when the time comes, to make my own transition in life's continuing journey.
tony marotta
Posted on February 01, 2011 at 11:22 PM | Permalink
I am lucky to know Elaine and Francis
What a beautiful and inspiring eight minutes! Three times I gave up on signing up to hear it, and I am glad I kept up the effort. Deep down I knew that if I actually were to hear the whole thing, I knew that I would be very glad that I did. I think about death every day and this story is a help to me. Thank you Elaine for giving it to us!
Tony Marotta
tom villalon
Posted on January 29, 2011 at 02:05 AM | Permalink
Beautiful.
As simple as that.
Jeremy Richards
Posted on January 25, 2011 at 06:38 PM | Permalink
A song we want to hear
It’s never easy to process a stranger’s grief. But with her story of Elaine and Francis, Carolyn Barnwell finds an unexpected joy and lightness, a relationship that earns our involvement before meditating on the loss.