Fern Michonski / Fern’s Music
Pre-School Music Education Expert: The Children’s Advocate for Love and Kindness, Inspiring Creativity and Joy.
October 3, 2012—Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and “A Ribbon of Stars” 
Last night my friend Janice and I were very excited to put a video of my song, “A Ribbon of Stars”, up on YouTube. I specifically wanted this video on YouTube starting in October because it is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. Let me explain.
My friend and colleague, Cheryl Elizabeth Waddell, had spent the summer of 1992 writing a collection of poems about angels. She would call me on the phone after completing each one to share it with me and ask my thoughts. They were all beautiful and as usual, I was impressed with her work.
Then in January of 1993 an unspeakable crime happened. The daughter and 18-month-old grandchild of a friend of mine were murdered in an act of domestic violence. It was horrific, devastating the family and the entire community. My friend asked me if I would sing at their memorial service. I immediately said I would, but then I wondered what I should sing. What song would be appropriate in some way? How could I find the perfect material, given the nature of this dreadful situation? Then I thought of Cheryl’s poems. I called her and asked if I could read through them again. I decided that “A Ribbon of Stars” was the perfect poem. The lyrics described Cheryl’s vision of children playing in the heavens with an angel, joyously dancing among the stars. I set to work writing the music. I wanted something ethereal and heavenly that would offer comfort and joy, soothing the soul. I imagined my friend’s child and grandchild happily playing among the stars with the angels, dancing through the cosmos into eternity, full of happiness and peace. The poem sprang to life as I wrote each note. The first time I performed it was at their memorial service. It was beautiful. With the lights turned off in the church, everyone lit candles. I stepped up onto the podium and began to sing “A Ribbon of Stars” as I watched the glow of candles reaching towards heaven. It was a scene that will always be imbedded in my memory. The words and music together were uplifting, comforting and soothing.
That is how “A Ribbon of Stars” came to be. I wrote it in memory of my friends loved ones and to everyone out there who has lost a child or family member.
After completing that song I decided to write music for all of the remaining poems Cheryl had written. My friend and colleague Janice Prey Wolfe created an illustration for each song and the cover of our new CD, “Angels Are Out With You Today.” This album has offered comfort to many people, from children through adults. It is God’s love through the angels bringing peace to everyone here on earth.