Almost four decades of experience as a mental health therapist in Rice County have given Eric Lundin insight into the effects of grief, loss, and trauma. Now approaching retirement, Lundin is supporting a unique performance as his final contribution to the community.
Sisters Kara Millerhagen and Kjersten Dysthe will perform at the Paradise Center for the Arts next week under the name Windflower. Their approach to dealing with loss is one that Lundin believes can help others rediscover moments of joy. The sisters lost their younger sibling, Alisa Leonard, to cancer in 2018—a loss that affected them both personally and professionally, as Leonard had been their songwriting partner and lead singer since childhood.
After Leonard’s passing, Millerhagen continued writing music and began journaling her feelings. She recalled her uncertainty about returning to the stage: “I thought we would never perform again,” she said. An initial attempt was unsuccessful as they struggled to find a new voice without their sister.
Last year, they accepted an invitation to perform at an equestrian healing retreat attended by 25 women who had all experienced some form of loss. Despite hesitation about performing without rehearsal or preparation, they found support in the atmosphere: “It was a safe space,” Millerhagen said. “We sang and it was so beautiful. We were shocked by it.”
At another performance in Northfield later that year, Lundin was present in the audience. Through songs, poetry, and stories, Windflower aimed to create an environment where people could reflect and connect—sometimes even sharing laughter amidst sorrow.
“We’re using our tears to make something beautiful,” Millerhagen stated.
Lundin decided this kind of event would be his parting gift before retirement: “I know this program will give people an opportunity to process their emotions regarding their loved ones who’ve passed in a different way,” he said.
Millerhagen described singing as a way to feel close to Alisa: “When we sing, that’s when we feel closest to Alisa,” she said. She also promised attendees that the evening would be “fun, light and beautiful.” She added: “We want to live in joy. And that is possible,” she said. “But it doesn’t mean you’re not sad.”
The free Windflower performance will take place at 7 p.m., Friday, March 6 at Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault.
Contact information for further details includes Eric Lundin (Rice County Mental Health Professional) at [email protected] or 507-332-6115; and Suzy Rook (Communications Coordinator) at [email protected] or 507-384-6509.
