Keeper of the Burning Abyss

Program notes

It would be difficult to overstate just how important the friendships and bonds that I've made throughout my life have meant. This one is no exception. I remember meeting Dominick as a young nine-year-old at the public library where we live playing trading card games like Yugioh and Magic the Gathering. Since then, we've gone from playing duels, to playing pieces performed in pit orchestra for shows like Seussical, to Dance-Along Nutcracker, to band-day at Northwestern, and later driving RC trucks in public parking lots. He's been one of the most consistent people in my life, someone I can always go to for help, and who will tell me what I need to hear. Thirteen years is more than friendship. Dominick has become another member of my family, and everyone who has had the chance to know him will know just how much he cares for not only those he loves, but the one he works with. That's who he is, and as he is about to step into the patient rooms, I hope every patient he comes to work with know just that.

This piece is a celebration of him. You're going to change many lives. It's been a treasure to watch you get to this point, and I'm so excited for what's next. Love you, Doctor. This one's for you.