A Farewell
A neighbor wanted me to go to karaoke with her last night, so I went, though I wasn’t sure about the whole thing. There was an elderly man they called “The Band” who was running the equipment, “The Show” as he called it.
I learned that he had been doing this at least once a month for 7 years. I learned that he had cancer, had only 2 months left to live, and this was to be his last function. It was time to say goodbye.
He sang a few songs. I had never been there before so I don’t know how his voice usually sounds but he seemed to be quite weak. I guessed his strength was failing. His sense of humour was still very strong, however!
Another fellow was acting as the emcee. He sure was fun. A great singer, very active in encouraging people to get up to sing, sometimes joining in with them. He also got a few of the elderly ladies up on their feet to dance and it looked like they were just having a ball!
My friend wanted me to go sing but I was too shy for this time. Maybe next time! A Dad and two kids came in a bit late wanting to sing. They spent a lot of time looking in the index and almost missed the chance to sing, but the son and daughter were allowed one song each.
The boy got up and when he had sung the first few lines we all readily realized just how great a job this young fellow was doing! What an amazing voice! His sister likewise! There was some true talent in this family! It was almost missed because of time constraints. However, they promised to come again.
At the end of the session, the man who was dying invited every singer up to help close the evening with the song “How Great Thou Art.” It was moving and poignant in the circumstances. There were hugs and goodbyes as everyone left.
I’m glad I got to go. It really was fun, entertaining and also very meaningful, considering the occasion.
AJ
3 comments on “A Farewell”
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Looks like everyone seized the moment.
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Yes, except for me 😉
But I DID write about it.
Perhaps that was my way of seizing the moment and preserving it 😉
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Maybe you, most of all. Now we all shared. Thanks.
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