A chord is built with a triad of notes, typically the 1, 3 and 5 of a scale. For example, in the key of C, the major triad is C, E and G. You can add extra notes to change the sound of the chord. For example, you can add the major 7 of the chord to make it sound jazzy or the dominant 7 to make is sound bluesy. There are many of other notes or combinations of notes that can be added to change the sound of the chord that are equally impactful.
You can also change the main triad of notes to a minor (flat 3), diminished (flat 3 and 5), or augmented (sharp 5). And just like the major triad, you can add numerous other notes to change the sounds of these chords too. The chord possibilities are almost endless. And over these chords, melodies arise. Endless combinations of notes and rhythms. The same melody can even be played over different chords and sound quite different.
Music is a huge part of our home. One of the most impactful things I have seen happened in the first week that we found out Tara had cancer. I saw her sitting at the piano playing and singing Laura Story’s Blessings. It was a testament to where she was when we found out the news.
The melody of our life is no different than it was before. But the chords have changed. The building blocks of our song have shifted and it sounds quite different now. But trust me when I say the melody is the same. Even the lyrics are the same. It is a song we have been singing imperfectly our whole life. A song of broken dependence on God. Before we were broken for other things that didn’t seem as big, but they still made us broken and dependent.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” (Psalm 59:16)
Prayers continue for strength and healing!
Beautifully written. A great way of illustrating your thoughts. The chords may be a bit more complicated these days, but sometimes the hardest chords to play sound the most beautiful. God is writing not only a story but a beautiful song in your family. It is a blessing to hear His praises through the music.
And we all look forward to that day when we have the perfect song to sing (Rev 5:9). Oh well, I’d better go start practicing now…
Only your mother, a musical marvel, would teach you that life is built upon a musical chord, sounding even better when a “flat” or a “sharp” is added. The same with life. Where would we be without flats (trials) and sharps (blessings) to keep us close to God and know His love. He is all that you need when the rest of life seems to fail. And you and your family have, no obviously, figured that out. Keep on, keeping on, with Him EACH day as you surrender your trials to Him. YOU are a blessing to us. One-day-at-a time. Yes, we are praying for each of you. Nita Hastings