Jeff Madden’s Moving Tribute to Lindsay Thomas
February 9th, 2010On Jeff Madden’s Taking the Wheel blog, he has shared a moving tribute to his castmate and friend, Lindsay Thomas. Below is an excerpt of Jeff’s touching thoughts on his friend.
I just spent the day remembering the life of Lindsay Thomas, and it has driven me to write down some thoughts.Since learning of her death last Wednesday, getting through the ‘Francine’ moments in the show has been difficult. I’ve somehow managed it, but it is almost creepy how real the loss feels. I know maintaining my composure will be a challenge going forward, but I think we will soldier on and honour her in the only way we can, by doing the show.
As my faithful readers know I have had some difficulties with that particular song in the past. In part because it comes immediately on the heels of learning of Francine’s death, but also because death is so difficult to talk about and comprehend.
I was surprised to learn this week that Lindsay’s favorite part of the show was “Fallen Angel,” a scene in which she doesn’t even say a word. Yet, the power of that moment in the theatre each night was palpable, and I could feel her support and connection to me each night as she sat on that bench and touched my hand. It was because of her commitment to her character, to the moment, to the relationship with me that made it all come together.
When I was asked by Gareth to sing “Fallen Angel” at her memorial service this afternoon because it meant so much to Lindsay, I was floored. Gareth insisted that Lindsay would have wanted me to. I asked Gareth if it would be alright since Fallen Angel is quite short if I could honour Lindsay by adding on a verse and chorus of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” He agreed that it would be a lovely gesture. I was accompanied on guitar by the incomparable Levon Ickhanian, and we rehearsed the number a couple times yesterday.
The memorial service was amazing. First of all, the church was packed. Outside, the line snaked down the sidewalk and onto the street, and inside it was standing room only. Hundreds and hundreds of people traveled for hours to attend the service. The speakers were eloquent, the tone was a perfect balance of light and heavy, the music was moving, the decorations beautiful and elegant without being ostentatious. Even the sunlight managed to make a graceful appearance streaming through the windows.
Visit Jeff’s Taking the Wheel blog to read his full touching tribute to Lindsay Thomas.
I can’t even imagine the inner fortitude it took Jeff to stand up there and sing “Fallen Angel” at her funeral. What a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jeff.
Comment by Linda — February 9, 2010 @ 11:28 am
So beautiful and touching.
Comment by Rose — February 9, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
Jeff, you really have a way with words and expressing very difficult situations and feelings with such eloquence. What a wonderful tribute to Lindsay. Thank you for sharing your feelings during this hard time.
Comment by Linda/Tiggerbelle — February 9, 2010 @ 9:44 pm
What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Lindsay. Jeff’s touching words brought tears to my eyes.
Comment by Pamela — February 9, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
You are a real mensch, Jeff. Your tribute is wonderful. Hope to meet you in the future.
Comment by Howard — February 10, 2010 @ 12:23 am
What a beautiful tribute to Lindsay. It brought tears to my eyes, thank you so very much for sharing.
Comment by Carlye — February 10, 2010 @ 2:32 am
A wonderful tribute to a beautiful young woman. A true Angel to everyone.
Comment by gladys — February 10, 2010 @ 7:45 am
So beautifully written Jeff. Such a strength of character in providing such a heartfelt tribute and display of respect and caring for a fellow and beautiful human being.
Comment by Sylvia — February 14, 2010 @ 11:47 pm