It’s been a particularly hard shift at work.
I didn’t get back home until well after nine pm.
And so, after feeding and walking the dogs, I lit the fire
Threw off my crocs and drank a huge Bombay Sapphire and tonic ( with cucumber slice!!!!) before sitting down to a plethora of messages asking where I was!!
Tonight is the TCA matriarch Lorraine’s Christmas Party in the big house on the other side of the village
I’m too knackered to go out and now it’s far too late to do so
Buts it’s lovely to be remembered and to be worried about
“ You give us a safe space to feel what we feel,
Allowing us to mourn, but mainly, to heal.”
This line from Hattie’s poem has a resonance with me as this following post from the winter 2018 outlines
It was the most lonely and saddest part of my entire life
Ise Oluwa
I often write about those beautiful little moments in life that catch you unawares.
I guess it's the drama queen in me
My recent encounter with a kindness inside St. Asaph Cathedral was one I shall remember for quite some time but tonight's experience will rank a close second in that memory bank of moving moments.
In choir tonight we learned the Nigerian song Ise Oluwa -sing for water
And after a bit of a struggle we nailed it!!!!
Before we finished practice Jamie our eleven year old choir master asked us to sing it again, but this time very Gently and as we did he disappeared and turned off the lights of the little Welsh village hall.
In almost absolute darkness over fifty people sang without the chains of sight and competition and self consciousness and the noise we produced was simply magical.
And the silence after we had finished proved that we all had been moved in the same lovely way, almost everyone was crying
This choir has nourished me
And has healed me
Music has been proven to have magical effects. This song is simple but absolutely marvelous. I'd have loved to have heard your version of it.
ReplyDeleteIt was sublime
DeleteLoved that, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteIt’s a nice story
DeleteI hope your christmas is good, John. I'm at my daughter's, the youngest, in Seattle. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteHugs x
DeleteWhat a special thing - to turn off the lights and focus almost fully on the song. I can imagine how magical that must have been.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the most special moments of my life YP
DeleteSome Christmases we all just need a good cry.
ReplyDeleteAnd boy did I need it then
DeleteSo lovely my friend. Sleep well. Jackie
ReplyDeleteI did
DeleteWow, incredible. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pity you missed the party; it's part and parcel of being a health worker in any guise! I remember that post about that song it's a nice time of year to revisit the magic. I hope you got some serious shut eye... and had a lovely scotch egg for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
10 hours in bed
DeleteI listened to this beautiful song as I read your post. When I reached the end, the hairs on my arms were standing on end and tears were trickling down my face. You are a gifted storyteller.
ReplyDeletePeace be with you, John dear.
I couldn't have put it better, Damselfly. Same reaction here. Thank you, John, for sharing the song and the story with us. Pure magic! xx
DeleteIt was a seriously important moment not only for me
DeleteLovely and a tonic after a difficult shift.
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams, my friend.
Hugs!
What a wonderful finish, and well done Hattie too!
ReplyDelete👏🏻
DeleteOh My!That was extraordinary, and your choir's rendition would have been amazing - one you'll not forget. You have a very special Choir master, don't you.
ReplyDeleteWe do
DeleteI really like those lines in Hattie's poem too. Singing, even when alone, would be healing, but so much more powerful when in a group with a great choirmaster. Thank goodness they were there for you when you desperately needed them.
ReplyDeleteThat chorus and the soloists are incredible. I've got chills. Music can be so empowering — and overwhelming. I wish I could have heard your choir's performance.
ReplyDeleteYou can't be everywhere..
ReplyDeleteA beautiful song..and to sing it in the dark..well done Jamie
We are often numbed by the day to day, the emotional release helps to bring us back to feeling.
ReplyDeleteVery true david..a conduit
DeleteSounds to me like Jamie is a special kind of magician- he knows how to conjure magic from his choir. What a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteA good choir master is someone you always wants to please
Deletesong made me happy......and very moved. I am certain your choir did it justice. Just lovely, thank you! And warmest Christmas wishes to you John.....from oh so many miles away, but always in my heart.
ReplyDeleteSusan M/Calif