Quick Reflections

I still cannot forgive myself for braving a solo singing competition in 1985. I swear I was at least one octave off-key. I can remember that afternoon really well, but I am not going to make a fool of myself by further embarrassing my own self on my very own blog. Har har!

Anyway, choral singing was better for me. My voice blends nicely in a group. Or so I thought, until I was assigned as the choir pianist. I thought it was a compliment, but thinking back, Kalibo didn’t have much of a choice. I was one of the very few survivors of Maam Acaling’s hand-swatting episodes. 

The urge to sing was always powerful. When I was in Georgia, I auditioned for the famous Atlanta’s Cathedral Choir.  I passed not because I can sing, but because I can sight-read notes from Handel’s Alleluia. Our choir director was darn good, and with practice, I got better at singing. As a bonus, I was earning ten 100s on karaoke.

And then last week, somebody asked me to sing. Oh My Darling Clementine, the 92 year old man dying man begged. The hospice nurse said I should honor his request, for he would not last a few days. I flipped thru my memory brain quickly, oh yes, Maam Maribojo taught us that song in Grade V. And so I sang, holding his hand.

He passed away one hour later.

I get it, I get it… it is indeed in the best interest of the general public to never hear me sing.

Church Pianist 1996-1999

Our Lady of Peace Chapel

Fort Bragg Army Base

Fort Bragg, North Carolina