Celebration - 02 August 2021 - Plague Journal Day 508

Micah 6:8
Malachi 3:16-17
Yes, your life matters.

We all are still sheltering in place, but I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

What an emotional weekend.
The memorial service for our two dear friends, Charles and Patti, was Saturday afternoon, and it was as good as something like that could be. There was a great turnout from all parts of their lives, and it was a great service. It was fairly long, but it never felt like it - it never dragged, nor seemed as though we should have been done by then. The choir did a pretty amazing job of singing God's praise in their honor, generally getting through the whole anthem with no sobbing or other breakdowns. I didn't expect it, but the one thing that really brought tears to my eyes was some instrumental music - "Master Tallis's Testament" by Herbert Howells played by Dave Wagner. That was a wonderful tribute to both Charles and Patti. (here is a recording that will give you an idea of how moving this music was)
Then on Sunday, the Bell choir played for the first time without a director. Frankly, we were really good - we watched and listened to one another and will play again fairly soon. I think Patti and Charles would have been pleased and proud - I know we were.

Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.