Sadly, the next day, on Christmas day, one of our old friends, Lee, died of a heart attack after the Christmas family dinner. Years ago, I sang at his second wedding after his first wife died from an aggressive form of cancer. This was before I lost my singing voice to a thyroid tumor.
I was much younger then. Lately, Lee's health had been declining and in mid-October, he asked me to sing at his funeral. I was shocked but said, of course, I would but I would have to talk to the choir director first.
I said that I would sing for him because he was a friend but I wasn't sure how it would go with the choir director since I had not been singing in the choir for a very long time. I had no idea how bad Lee's health was, but I was going to approach the choir director to tell him of his request. I never did approach the choir director because I was sure that Lee would still be around for much longer.
Having no choir or music director on Christmas day left us in a bind. Years ago, and I mean years ago, like in 2000, I used to be a cantor and sang solos at weddings and funerals and lead our choir with the help of a skillful music director and organist, but since my thyroid operation for thyroid tumor, I stop singing in public since I lost my singing voice for two whole years.
It slowly came back but it was painful and labored and no longer enjoyable. I persevered and little by little, my voice came back although not as strong as it once was but still I an holding a tune at over 73 years old.
So since the end of December, I've been thrust into preparing the liturgical music leading the choir at our church although I feel so inadequate. I gathered some volunteers for choir and we did the best we could until Covid-19 reared its ugly head and the church was closed. As we slowly reopened, I was allowed to sing by myself with no choir because of social distancing and so it will be until we can safely gather again together without distancing.
I have plenty to do at home to keep me busy and I don't need recognition but today I received a special hand made card that brought tears to my eyes. After mass this evening, a parishioner came up to me and presented me with this beautiful homemade card. I know, she must have spent a lot of time to put this beautiful card together. She is so talented. I know my blogger friend Kezzy from the UK will appreciate it as she also makes beautiful homemade cards.
This was the envelope with my name on it.
The front of the card was also so special and beautiful.
But the message inside is what brought tears to my eyes.
This was the back of the card, just as beautiful.
And inside the card was another card with this cute little bird.
I'm sure this little bird can sing much better than I can in my old age. Thanks so much for your affirmation Glendine. I appreciate you so much.
Talents are given to us freely to share freely to make the world a better place. Share your talent freely... otherwise, they will deteriorate.
Have a safe and happy week.
Hugs, Julia
