Courage

On July 11th (My last night in San Diego) I was privileged to attend a charity concert at San Diego's Symphony hall. My brand new sister-in-law, who has a beautiful singing voice, is a member of the San Diego Master Chorale which was joined by the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra in an event to raise money for the St. Madeleine Sophie's Center Gallery. Sophie's Gallery is a working art studio and gallery that helps adult artists with developmental disabilities.

The concert was opened by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. The singer was a student from Sophie's Center named Diane Jones. This young woman, though unable to fully annunciate many of the words of the anthem, sang one of the most moving interpretation of our national anthem that I have ever heard. I was moved by her sweet voice, her courage and her willingness to explore her talents despite her disabilities.

The second half of the concert featured selections from 'My Fair Lady'. I loved that part. Ardo and I tried to keep our voices down as we sang along.

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Arrived in hot and sticky Illinois at 6 p.m. last night and was so glad to see J. J had set up my room for me with fresh linens (on the blasted air mattress!) and flowers and a present. Of course the welcoming effect of all of these things was offset by the MOUNTAIN of mail on the desk waiting for my attention. I ignored the mail and climbed into J's bed with her and we watched a movie and ate junk food. It was very relaxing.

Today started sifting through the mountain on the desk which promptly avalanched onto the floor. The good news is that 98% of it was junk mail, the bad news is that there was a bill in there that needed attention in April! Really must come up with a better system I think.