Commissioned by Jennifer, Katie and Morgan Kull in honor of Jim Kull’s contributions to music and music education.
The expression "Godspeed" came into practice in the 1300s. "God spede me" and "God spede thee," meaning; May God give you success, prosperity or good fortune on your journeys. In modern times, many still use this phrase even though the definition of speed has changed quite a bit since the 1300s. In those times, speed refered more to class, station and level of success, unlike today where it literally means how fast something is going. Things didn't go faster than a horse or arrow back then. Today when we say "Godspeed" we mean may you quickly go on your journey and go all the places you want to go. We also use it in modern times as a way to wish those who have passed to get to Heaven or whatever place one believes in, instantaneously and that it is everything you ever wanted the afterlife to be.
I chose "Godspeed" as the title because Jim Kull is retiring in a few short months. We have been friends for many years and though I wish he would be a band director forever, it isn't going to happen. I think that would probably be a fate worse than it sounds. Yes, I wish Jim Godspeed on his next life adventures and hope he has the best times of his life during his next phase of life.
I also chose the title because I have had to wish one of my companions, Chauncey, a funny and fiesty little boy who loved us unconditionally while he was here. Kay and I rescued him as a senior and were lucky to have him 5 years. He was such a beautiful creature, knowing Chauncey forever wouldn't have been long enough.
Godspeed Chauncey! Godspeed Jim! I love you both.
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