Reiki-Land

Hello to Susanne, Mrs. Schwarzmeier and the Students in Class 12wb,

Susanne recently asked me to share my thoughts about the legacy of Eva Cassidy and what her music, art and life mean to me. The first thought that came into my head was to share with you a story that Chris Biondo (Eva's longtime friend and producer) tells about a time in June 1996 when Eva sang at Borders Books in Rockville, Maryland. A lady came up to Eva after her performance and said, "Can I have your home address? I want to write you a letter." When the letter arrived, it said "My husband died and I have been very depressed. But after seeing you play, I have begun my life again because I know that the world is a beautiful place."

I have listened to and appreciated many great artists in my lifetime, but no one has ever penetrated and had the profound effect of Eva. I feel her music and spirit in a transformational way. The sheer beauty of her music reaches very deep inside me and yet simultaneously transports me far beyond myself. Eva's voice and art is a pathway to something bigger, more profound and extraordinary than words can express.

Over the past two years, I have learned that my experience with Eva's music and art is one that is shared by many. Because I have numerous articles and videos of Eva's music on the Internet, I hear from thousands of people all over the world. Time and time again, people write to me about how profoundly Eva's music touches them. One "tough, old cowboy" wrote me and said he was critically ill when he was introduced to Eva's music. He declares the beauty of her music saved his life. Young black men write and express how much Eva's music gives them hope. Many women write about the inspiration of Eva's music and art. Many people express that once they heard the purity of Eva's voice, they can't find any other voice to compare. In whatever way people experience Eva's voice, we all seem to come to the same conclusion: that hearing her voice, seeing her art, learning about her life makes the world more beautiful.

I personally want to thank Susanne for "spreading the beauty".

Wishing each of you all the best,

Linda