The Hands They Hold (digital download)
The Hands They Hold explores musical sounds and ideas that represent finding light in darkness. I've explored this idea for many years in pieces like Night Light, Firefish, and Vagabond of Light. To me, the vibraphone sounds like light. Even in the darkest music, you can still hear the light from the bars of the instrument.
For over two years, the world has faced a crisis that has threatened our physical and mental health. No one has seen the heartbreaking reality of COVID-19 more than the nurses who have dedicated themselves to taking care of us, protecting us, and healing us. They have risked their own physical and mental health, relationships, and lives. Some have given their lives. They have witnessed things we cannot imagine, all while many people downplayed the threat and even told them it wasn't real.
All the while, they have worked tirelessly to save every life. When patients are isolated from their families, the nurses are there to reassure and comfort them. And even when hope is lost, they are there to show honor and respect, hold their hands, and show love and kindness. To let the families know that someone who cared was there with their loved one. To acknowledge the humanity of one person while also honoring our collective humanity. These nurses are healers and heroes. They are our friends and neighbors. They will be forever changed by their experiences. We cannot forget them.
It is easy for us to feel helpless (and even hopeless) in times like this, to think there is nothing we can do to change things for the better. But we can. Their work can be exhausting and heartbreaking, but the example set by the nurses fighting against COVID-19 can be a source of light, a source of hope for us all. Be a helper. Show kindness and love. We can all help lessen the heartbreak and the exhaustion around us.
The Hands They Hold is dedicated to my friend Doris Wong, Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-AG, and to all the courageous, kind, and compassionate nurses everywhere.
– Blake Tyson, March 2022
The Hands They Hold explores musical sounds and ideas that represent finding light in darkness. I've explored this idea for many years in pieces like Night Light, Firefish, and Vagabond of Light. To me, the vibraphone sounds like light. Even in the darkest music, you can still hear the light from the bars of the instrument.
For over two years, the world has faced a crisis that has threatened our physical and mental health. No one has seen the heartbreaking reality of COVID-19 more than the nurses who have dedicated themselves to taking care of us, protecting us, and healing us. They have risked their own physical and mental health, relationships, and lives. Some have given their lives. They have witnessed things we cannot imagine, all while many people downplayed the threat and even told them it wasn't real.
All the while, they have worked tirelessly to save every life. When patients are isolated from their families, the nurses are there to reassure and comfort them. And even when hope is lost, they are there to show honor and respect, hold their hands, and show love and kindness. To let the families know that someone who cared was there with their loved one. To acknowledge the humanity of one person while also honoring our collective humanity. These nurses are healers and heroes. They are our friends and neighbors. They will be forever changed by their experiences. We cannot forget them.
It is easy for us to feel helpless (and even hopeless) in times like this, to think there is nothing we can do to change things for the better. But we can. Their work can be exhausting and heartbreaking, but the example set by the nurses fighting against COVID-19 can be a source of light, a source of hope for us all. Be a helper. Show kindness and love. We can all help lessen the heartbreak and the exhaustion around us.
The Hands They Hold is dedicated to my friend Doris Wong, Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-AG, and to all the courageous, kind, and compassionate nurses everywhere.
– Blake Tyson, March 2022
The Hands They Hold explores musical sounds and ideas that represent finding light in darkness. I've explored this idea for many years in pieces like Night Light, Firefish, and Vagabond of Light. To me, the vibraphone sounds like light. Even in the darkest music, you can still hear the light from the bars of the instrument.
For over two years, the world has faced a crisis that has threatened our physical and mental health. No one has seen the heartbreaking reality of COVID-19 more than the nurses who have dedicated themselves to taking care of us, protecting us, and healing us. They have risked their own physical and mental health, relationships, and lives. Some have given their lives. They have witnessed things we cannot imagine, all while many people downplayed the threat and even told them it wasn't real.
All the while, they have worked tirelessly to save every life. When patients are isolated from their families, the nurses are there to reassure and comfort them. And even when hope is lost, they are there to show honor and respect, hold their hands, and show love and kindness. To let the families know that someone who cared was there with their loved one. To acknowledge the humanity of one person while also honoring our collective humanity. These nurses are healers and heroes. They are our friends and neighbors. They will be forever changed by their experiences. We cannot forget them.
It is easy for us to feel helpless (and even hopeless) in times like this, to think there is nothing we can do to change things for the better. But we can. Their work can be exhausting and heartbreaking, but the example set by the nurses fighting against COVID-19 can be a source of light, a source of hope for us all. Be a helper. Show kindness and love. We can all help lessen the heartbreak and the exhaustion around us.
The Hands They Hold is dedicated to my friend Doris Wong, Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-AG, and to all the courageous, kind, and compassionate nurses everywhere.
– Blake Tyson, March 2022