Dear Reader
I want to tell you about two unexpected gifts.
The first was a story from one of the early Cathedral Evensongs. I won’t identify which one to preserve the protagonist’s anonymity, suffice it to say we were very much in the grips of jet lag.
Felicia, one of the choir parents, was sitting next to an older lady, probably an octogenarian, who had not been in church for decades. There had been some issue that caused this, but she felt moved to attend this service. She told Felicia she was so moved by the service, and the beautiful singing of our Choir that she felt at peace. Our service became a gift for her, but it was a precious gift for us.
This is for me why we do what we do. Not necessarily for the loud accolades we receive, although we are blessed to receive them. For me it is the opportunity to touch someone’s heart, when they most need it, to make a difference. Anthony reminded us as a Choir that we never know who is present and what impact we may have. It is for this reason we must always offer our best.
The other gift was more personal. My late Dad, Robert Beal, better known as Bob, enrolled on Facebook so he could read the 2014-15 section of this blog. Most people join. Dad enrolled. Before he died he gave Alana Brook his set of Sigfrid Karg-Elert organ works and other organ music he thought she could use.
She let me know that not only does she play them but she has continued his tradition of noting the dates they have been played. She sent me this photo showing his marks dating back to the 1970s at the bottom, and her notations at the top. The letters R, L and W relate to the place where she has played them, being Ripon, Lincoln and Wakefield. Dad would be so chuffed to know they are still in active use, especially by someone he loved and admired.
Thank you, Alana.
Cxx
What a treasure both these stories are. I remember your dad encouraging the St Jude’s Choir, laughing a lot and playing the organ with intention, knowledge and passion. Thank you for reminding me of those memories through the story of the music.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been good to have a heads up before i read this one out loud to mum and lost it totally- eyes so wet I couldn’t read- what a blessing and such a lovely legacy- yes Dad would be over the moon - i am sure he is listening. 💜
ReplyDeleteSorry that was Judy with Susan of course
DeleteAnd I recognise his handwriting - I have many letters preserved over the years - before computers! A precious story. Judy, it is what Andrew calls "sweaty eyeballs". Love Helen
ReplyDelete