I have a big, beautiful garden. I look at it every day out my window. I walk through it often and at all times of the day or night. It brings me great calm and joy. I started this piece as a celebration of that space. But during the writing process, something changed. I have a dear friend, and fellow gardener, Maria. This summer, she received a diagnosis of cancer. And within 3 weeks she was gone. We thought we had time. This composition is for her. The different sections of the piece became a metaphor for her life and death. I will remember her always as a joyous garden spirit.