“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”
Nightbirde, America’s Got Talent (AGT), June 2021
Yes, I quoted AGT.
This audition came up on my YouTube feed this week. It was an audition I had seen before, but for some reason, this week it hit me differently.
Jane Marczewski, known as Nightbirde, was treated for metastatic breast cancer. It had spread to her lungs, spine, and liver. She was given a 2% chance of survival, and yet she was standing on the stage of one of the biggest talent competitions in the world, doing what she loved: writing songs and performing.
When she told the judges about her prognosis, she said, “I want everyone to know I am more than the bad things that happen to me.”
When I heard her say that I thought to myself: What is it that gives someone the strength to move forward when the odds say your time on this earth is limited? I can’t even imagine the strength that takes.
She performed a song she wrote called “It’s OK.” It is a beautiful song.
One line in particular stays with me: “I was a stick of dynamite, and it was just a matter of time.” It’s OK, Nightbride
I can relate to that line because when I left Boston back in 1987 and cut ties with everything and everyone who was important to me, I thought everything in my life would change. It took me a while to learn that I couldn’t hide from the things I ran away from, and eventually, they took their toll on me.
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to change the course of my life. I am not perfect, and I am still dealing with the ramifications of choices I made back in 1987. But I also realized that I could still seek happiness and turn my mistakes into opportunities to help others.
Nightbirde is a powerful example of what dignity means. She faced life-changing challenges while dealing with cancer, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to make a difference. The impact of her life and music became even more evident when the Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa performed her song “It’s OK.”
The Mzansi Youth Choir was founded in 2003 by Jannie and Marina Zaaiman. They formed the choir after experiencing a carjacking and wanted to help change the course of young people’s lives in South Africa. Years later, the choir stood on a worldwide stage, sharing their own story while singing a song that had inspired them.
There is something incredibly powerful about that connection.
We do not always know the true impact that what we say, do, or write will have on others. Good or bad, our actions can create a ripple effect that reaches people we may never meet.
I never thought there would be a time when my words would have meaning for so many. Reading and writing have always been weaknesses for me, not strengths. I have always expressed myself best through music. But the fates had other plans for me, and I am blessed to now be able to share my words with you.
“If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost and it’s alright.” It’s OK, Nightbride
We will all face challenges in life. We will face things that try to steal our happiness and our dignity. My hope is that we find the strength to keep moving forward, as Jane did.
She took that stage knowing that her time might be short, but she still wanted to share her message and help others who were struggling. Her hope was to make a difference.
And she did.
Rest in peace, Jane.
February 19, 2022
Your words and your music continue to change the lives of others, including mine.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
