While I think Susan Boyle has a wonderful voice, and I am touched by her rendering of my favorite Christmas song, I only wish that I had a video recording of my mother singing "O Holy Night" for a Christmas Eve service at the church in Colorado Springs where she had married my father, and where we attended services faithfully every Sunday. My mother's rendering of this hymn back in 1958 remains my favorite Christmas memory.
Though this event occurred over 52 years ago, the memory of it is still crisp, clear, and much treasured. My mother's solo opened the service. I still see her dressed in a 50's style dress made of green raw silk. She'd made the dress herself. At her ears crystal earrings sparkled against her wavy black hair. Her beautiful, clear soprano voice sweetly filled the church. It was evident that the song came from her heart. It was not just a performance.
From afar, dressed as an angel, I watched her as I stood at the back of the church waiting to make my entrance with a host of other pre-teen angels to light the candles that were placed throughout the church. I was nearly overcome with pride and love as I watched her with amazement and listened to her sing. I thought I had never seen a more beautiful woman with a more beautiful voice.
She is now 94 years old. Whenever I get the chance to stand next to her in church and listen to her sing, I am still amazed at her beauty and at the beauty of her voice. I find myself trying to make a mental recording of her voice. I never want to forget how beautiful it is.
Merry Christmas, Mother. I love you. Thank you for all the Christmas memories that you made for us, for all of the beautiful clothes that you made us to wear, and, most of all, for teaching us the true meaning of Christmas.
What a memory!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memory and so nice that at 94 she is still lending her voice. She sounds like a very special lady. You are lucky to have each other.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours.
That was a beautiful memory that will be with you forever.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed and peaceful Christmas.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Beautiful memory. So sweet, and it brought memories of my mother. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful memory, and it's great that she still sings beautifully.
ReplyDeleteMemories :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year from Southern California. No snow here but a lot of rain storms and mud slides!
I hope you and your family had a Wonderful Christmas Celebration.
God Bless You, ~Ron
Such a beautiful post! Made me cry. Blessings, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special memory! I hope 2011 is kind to you and your Family. I'm in Denver over New Year - finally snow on the ground and very cold!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet story and amazing tribute to your mom. Thank you so much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteIf I read this correctly, your mom is 94, alive and well? If so, why not record her singing now? That was a beautifully descriptive post. I could picture the whole thing! I am also a retired [language arts ]teacher, and my mom is 99 and lives with me. She does not sing,but the sound of her laughter is the best medicine for me.
ReplyDeleteAaarrrgghhh you made my eyes water. I'm not very close with my mother and this really touched me. My dad, however, sings wonderfully and I never miss a chance to hear him and his guitar go at it!
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