Annette Strauss's Miraculous Improvisation of a Tribute to Her Father

“And then, the compensatory blessing of years of praying when trouble was upon her, came to the girl as a sweet and sudden calm. Instinctively she closed her eyes and her troubled soul looked to its God for strength and guidance. Almost instantly there came an assuring peace. In that transcending moment it seemed to Annette Strauss that her father was standing near her with his dear hand upon her head urging her to be brave, much as he had done once when she was a little child and had to undergo a minor operation. Yes, she could be brave for him, as she had been brave that other time. But what should she do? She opened her eyes. Her father was not visible now, but she could feel him still beside her and her whole being seemed to overflow with love for him and appreciation for the wonderful faith and courage which had given him power to surmount great obstacles. She was grateful to him for the gift he had passed on to her, and she felt in that supreme moment she must not fail him. And then, as clear as if the thought had been spoken, came a solution to her present problem. She would play for her father there beside her; she would play of the love and gratitude that filled her soul. And in that moment all her dread and fear passed away. — The Young Woman's Journal 37:3”