On March 14, 2020, Karen and her husband Dick attended a concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre, a night that would become a poignant memory amid the unfolding global pandemic. They were there to see Rhiannon Giddens, a performer whose music they had eagerly anticipated. However, the evening was overshadowed by the looming threat of COVID-19, which had just been declared a pandemic. The concert, although sold out, was marked by empty seats—a testament to the fear that was beginning to grip the world.
The couple decided to attend the concert as a final outing before the impending lockdown. The atmosphere was intimate, with a smaller audience creating a sense of shared experience. Giddens’ powerful voice, accompanied by the talented percussionist Francesco Turrisi, delivered a performance that would linger in Karen’s memory. Their collaborative work, tracing the music of Africa and the Middle East and its influence on Western culture, resonated deeply with the audience.
The Lasting Impact of a Final Concert
Little did Karen know that this concert would be the last she and Dick would attend together. The pandemic forced Melbourne into lockdown shortly after, and the couple found themselves working from home in Eganstown. During this time, Dick developed a particular fondness for a traditional folk song performed by Giddens, which spoke of finding peace in a better land, free from sickness and toil.
Tragically, on August 29, 2020, Dick was killed in a bicycle accident, struck from behind by an elderly driver. The media referred to him simply as a “cyclist in his 50s,” but to Karen, he was much more—a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and colleague. His death left a profound void in her life.
“He was my family, my home, my life,” Karen reflects, emphasizing the depth of her loss.
Music as a Source of Solace
In the aftermath of Dick’s death, the folk song that had become a favorite during the pandemic took on new meaning. It was played at his viewing and funeral, both of which were restricted to ten attendees due to COVID-19 regulations. The song became a source of comfort, a constant companion through Karen’s grief.
More than a year later, in December 2021, a Memorial Day was held to honor Dick’s life. Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to inter his ashes at the Eganstown General Cemetery, where the song once again provided solace. For Karen, it symbolized the journey through her grief, a reminder of the life and love she shared with Dick.
Living with Loss and Looking Forward
Today marks five years since that fateful concert, and Karen continues to grieve for her old life. The life she had envisioned with Dick—growing old together, celebrating milestones, and cherishing everyday moments—was irrevocably altered. She longs for the life they had planned, a future now lost.
Despite the heartache, the music that once brought them joy remains a source of comfort. The song, “Wayfaring Stranger,” performed by Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi, holds a special place in Karen’s heart. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to heal and provide solace, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
“This song has been a constant friend to me in the changing colours of my grief,” Karen shares, highlighting the role it plays in her ongoing journey.
As Karen navigates life without Dick, she finds strength in the memories they created and the music that continues to connect her to him. Her story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of love and loss.
