Talking with one of my orchestra musicians this evening, we shared the story of a talented young musical genius here in St Louis who died suddenly yesterday. Andrew Thomas played the bassoon and contrabassoon for the St Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO). He was 27 years old. Known as Drew, he was said to be just simply happy to be playing. His friends in the SLSO are said to have begun their rehearsal of Tchaikovsky on Wednesday through tears. 
I saw these folks at the Chamber Music Society concert on that same evening; they dedicated the evening to Drew. Their sorrow was present but the music was passionate and perfect.
In conversation afterwards, I expressed my sympathies and compassion……they said as we all do at a time of great loss — what do you do to understand this, this senseless loss. My reply was — it is very easy albeit heartfully somber — we breathe in right now and appreciate, embrace, and love………that’s it. Life, however long, is too short….we want more. Don’t waste, don’t wait, love deeply, live now….it is your greatest core of inner strength.
