For as long as I can remember, I have loved music. As a child I would sing a hymn or two, record it on a little tape recorder, then harmonize with myself. As the years went by I continued to sing in church, at camp meetings, weddings, and funerals. It was a joy to see the way music could stir people's hearts.
In 1988 our first child, Kyle, was stillborn. The song in my heart was silenced. I could not hear a melody, let alone any harmony. I found it hard to sing, because music touched a place in my emotions that was still very tender. As my heart began to heal, I found that particular songs were soothing to my heart, bringing me gentle comfort. Songs of hope helped me to find joy again, as did the subsequent births of our other three children, Kayla, Adam & Garrison.
I have found that heartache shared is healing begun. Thus began the focus of my music and the release of my first recording project "I'll Meet You in the Morning", on the 10th anniversary of the loss of our stillborn son, Kyle Landon Ritchey.
It has been my unique privilege to share in the private pain of many families who have lost loved ones. I have dedicated my music to bringing comfort, hope and peace to those who know the sadness and confusion of loss.
My desire is to reach as many people as possible through my music as they pass through the valley of grief, hoping I can make a difference...remembering how I longed for comfort as I journeyed through my own valley.
In honor of our son, Kyle, I recorded my second CD project
'Because He Promised (Kyle's Song)',
as a tribute to families who had lost loved ones, as well as to
encourage families and friends along their journey.
God will make all things right some day soon. What a day that will be!
Warmly,
Karen