A common reality of grieving are the sudden bursts of emotion, those triggers, that suddenly flood with feeling. Gradually, over time, the strength of them fades from powerful grief, to something more like wistfulness. Attendance at "our" church always offers up those memories because it was so much of our shared experiences.
Joanne decided we'd join Grace University Lutheran Church when she heard the choir sing. Singing in that choir was very fulfilling for her. With her back pain with standing she sang regularly while sitting on the low wall next to the alto section. She and Steve Self, the choir director, bonded into a mutual admiration society. About year after Joanne's death Steve left for another congregation.
Sometime after Joanne's death, Rene` Clausen retired as Concordia College's Choir Director and joined Grace Lutheran. He, and his wife, are regulars in the congregation's choir. Today, the choir sang one of René's compositions. While the regular choir director accompanied the choir on the organ, Rene` directed. His participation in the choir would have been deeply meaningful to Joanne.
In her honor I've befriended Rene` and most Sunday's we exchange a brief conversation. He's warm, personable and a mutual introvert. Joanne would be surprised and pleased by this relationship. It makes me sad that this is another thing that she's missing.
Takk for alt,
Al
Steve Self rehearsing the choir.
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