A member of my church choir died over the weekend, and her funeral was today. She was 95 and had been singing with us for a long time--quietly giving of herself and her music week after week. She was such a beautiful and pleasant lady--always smiling. Monsignor said in his homily that she was the only person he had ever visited in a hospital that was still smiling while hooked up to an intubator.
I'm so glad our choir was there to honor her and give her a truly beautiful funeral Mass. The music our director chose was lovely--peaceful and full of hope. It reminded me of what a ministry music is--it brings an expression of comfort that mere words cannot achieve.
I had to choose between attending the funeral with Stephen in tow, or missing it for fear that he'd be disruptive at such a solemn Mass. He's been working on his "screeching" lately, and I had images of him letting loose a well-timed shriek during the eulogy. Fortunately, I braved the first option, and Stephen proved me wrong. He was so entranced by sitting with the choir and listening to the singing all around him that he completely forgot to make any noise at all. :) Such a great boy.... the only distraction he caused was by people looking at him rather than at our conductor. He's learned how to be quite the charmer!
I was talking with the bass section lead afterwards, and he said that it was obvious how influential it was for Stephen that I was at home with him. "He is just so content and happy with you, and his behavior reflects that." It made me feel so good--an affirmation and reminder that nothing can replace what I am giving Stephen right now. He has the security of knowing his mom is there-- all the time, without fail.
Here's to the music of a long life well-lived, and here's to my choir baby!
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