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8/22/2003 - Tulsa, OK
8/18/2003 - Kenosha, WI
8/17/2003 - Chicago, IL
8/16/2003 - Lake Forest, IL
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8/10/2003 - Evanston, IL
8/6/2003 - Arlington Heights, IL
8/3/2003 - Bartlett, IL
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Date: 8/22/2003
Location: Tulsa, OK
Journal Entry:
Postlude:
It is but slightly more then one day since the conclusion of the
final concert; little more than two days since the final
steps-the last footfalls of a nearly 900-mile journey which had
begun four months, one week, and six days ago from this spot in
Tulsa-Cancer Treatment Centers of America-found their rest at
that promised land, Zion.
The physical body which had commenced this odyssey grew at least
a decade younger than its just-turned 60; the spirit which
inhabited that body more than tripled its years of experience and
wisdom.
In reflection of not just this experience, I came to understand
that each time that God had decided that I needed to learn, to
experience, to assess, to grow, to become a better person and to
become a better artist, He gave me a great gift.
In 1982, a motorcycle accident which broke so many bones that my
career as a pianist seemed ended-and then a miraculous and
unexpected Nordic Christmas-Day healing.
In 2000, a cancer diagnosis which brought me to Tulsa's Cancer
Treatment Centers of America, where the nobility of caring for
others was so eloquently revealed.
In 2002, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, leaving my legs
numbed from the knees down, so that I could learn to appreciate
even more the trials of those who could not walk even as I myself
was allowed to continue to run.
I met and was befriended by the best kinds of people I had ever
known; people of principle, people of kindness and generosity,
people of truth, and people of faith and belief who opened their
hearts to share all. People who were the future of this world.
And I experienced some of those of the worst kind, reminding me
that disease existed not only in the physical body, that there
was yet so much work to be done while still on this Earth.
As miles multiplied, the quest for truth-the straight and narrow
path, defined itself ever more clearly. I had always realised
that I could not be as an artist what I myself was not as a
person. I understood finally-at age 60-how to grow, how to work
with the spaces between the notes; to comprehend and to express
the infinite and the wonderous, that I might have something
worthy to say that the world might be a better world, that I
might better continue to conquer all which could ever disable us.
The meaning of one text which Franz Liszt had chosen to set to
the keyboard had finally come clear; as clear and as bright as
the continuing path I am yet to run:
Pater noster, qui es in coelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua sicut in coelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos demittimus debitoribus nostris.
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,
Sed libera nos a malo.
Thank you for being with me these last four months, one week, six
days. I hope I may be with you on your journey.
Martin
Postscript, 27 August, Casanova, Virginia:
This morning, a best friend telephoned me from Iceland. His
wife, who had been battling cancer, passed away during the night.
I will be leaving in several days to attend the funeral in
Reykjavik.
Please do not forget that cancer is always with us, still an
enemy to be conquered. We need your help, we need to
continue the research to save lives. Please make your pledge,
please help us to stop the needless pain and suffering.
Thank you,
Martin
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