Daughters of Cain,

I ask that you take a moment before we begin to play Televangelism and let it bleed into Sun Bleached Flies in honor of Ethel Lenora Cain.
We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Ethel Cain, as she is finally laid to rest after all these years.

Ethel’s story is one that struck many of us in deeply personal ways. She is a cautionary tale that if you try to run from your demons, you risk running headfirst into someone else’s. And those are often the worst kind. Her story shows that there are monsters far more terrifying than the ones in your hometown, your family, or even inside yourself. Ethel reminds us that you cannot outrun the past, or who you are. So what do we do with the shadows we carry? How do we survive the hurt that shaped us?
Ethel showed us that while we may never escape our past, we are not defined by it. The love of God, though infinite, is not enough to save us. It’s through acceptance, through forgiveness, that we find freedom. Isn’t that what Heaven is supposed to be? A place beyond suffering, where love is abundant? Ethel would tell us that Heaven lives within us all,but to get there, we have to choose ourselves first. We have to be the ones to save ourselves.

Ethel is not only a cautionary tale. She is a prayer. She is a warning not to let fear stand in the way of love. That building a home takes work, and keeping it takes faith. That forever is something we create, not something we’re given. I believe if Ethel were here, she’d say “love every part of yourself, even the ugly, hurt parts. Love them as much as you love your Willoughby. Because if she had given herself that same grace, maybe life would’ve shown her the same kindness in return.

She would urge us, her daughters, to be gentle with ourselves. To love ourselves. Because that love can protect us from those who only want to add to the suffering we already carry.
It’s been over a decade since Ethel’s voice first echoed into the ether. She called to us, and we listened and for that, we may lay her gently down with all the love she deserved. 

May she rest peacefully
Ethel Cain, we’ll always love you.

Thank you, Hayden, for this incredible creation that will stand the test of time. It is an artistic wonder of the world, the Statue of David of music. I’m so deeply grateful for Ethel Cain, and the artistic horizons it’s opened up for me and many other creators out there. I’m grateful she came to you when it seemed like ending it all might be easier than going on. She sparked something in you, and through you, she sparked something in us. Thank you for sharing Ethel Cain. 



Eulogy for Ethel Cain as her story is laid to rest