C-Sharp Minor

"Her life was a song." Thus did Mom's obituary sum her up. Seventeen years before her death, however, that song began to change, shifting into darker and eventually agitated tones. Still, up until the end, it never ceased. Here is the full course of her illness: Initial subtle changes, increasing memory loss, paranoia, agitation, delusions, and frustrated helplessness but also faith, humor, and "diamonds," those occasional bright and beautiful moments glittering amidst the coal. Ultimately, it is a story of peace and release, as well as the renewed discovery that, "In the darkest valley, there is music for that. In the longest night, there still is music for that."

Deborah P. Hall lives in southwest Missouri on the farm that she and her mother both loved, surrounded by music, books, horses, and abundant cats. She is heavily involved in church and musical activities and volunteers at the library. This is her second published full-length book.