On June 1, 2014, I was scheduled to sing "Hand In Hand With Jesus" during our morning church service. Ron had put together a quartet with Sue, Rick and myself to sing during the morning service which was designated as "Senior Day". Why was I singing? LOL After several practices with Karen playing the piano we were "good to go".
Mom and Dad (especially Mom) were so excited to know I was going to be singing in church. After all they thought, I had retired. LOL It would mark the first time in over 20 years since I sang in front a congregation. Mom was so thrilled and yet disappointed as she could not attend. I promised her, that I would be sure the service was recorded and she could hear me singing as well as listen to the service.
As a teenager, Mom was so faithful to be sure I was at each and every quartet practice on time. She would also fuss at me any time she felt like I was not taking care of my voice and after I came home from a football game or a youth retreat, I would get fussed at pretty good. Mom (and Dad) loved me singing and were disappointed when I had "stopped". (It may have been cute as a teenager but as an adult it was much better to be good.) Mom and Dad were prejudiced. I was their only son and I believe they enjoyed me singing. I will admit, I was so very excited to be singing again and be able to share with Mom and Dad.
As we pulled into the church parking lot that Sunday morning my phone rang and my sister informed me, I needed to get to Montgomery as soon as possible as the doctors were not expecting Mom to make it through the day. I immediately went in to the church, sought out the pastor and informed him of the news. He said a prayer and we drove to Montgomery as fast as possible.
Walking into her room, it was not difficult to assess the gravity of the situation. Yet, Mom as soon as I walked in, said, "Now look what I've done. I've messed up your singing." Even in her last moments, she was still concerned about me and the impact she was having. Yes, she had an impact on me throughout my life and does to this day. Maybe I was a "mommy's boy" as some of my teenage friends would say, but I was ok with that then and I'm ok with that today, as I was! I'm glad I had a little while to spend with Mom before she finally had to be ventilated (not one of my favorite words) and later that day leaving us for her heavenly reward.
I never sung "Hand In Hand With Jesus" but I did get to listen to the recording. It was so very special to listen to them sing and I knew the church was praying for my family during this difficult time. I'm glad I woke up to this song this morning!
"Hand In Hand With Jesus" is one of those "old" hymns, published in so many hymnals and sung by so many. I especially love the words in the chorus. "Hand in hand we walk each day, hand in hand along the way, walking thus I can not stray, hand in had with Jesus." I have always enjoyed this song, but June 1, 2014 made this song even more special to me.
I hope you will enjoy the link I chose to share.
I actually woke up to hearing Glen Payne of the Cathedral Quartet singing but I can not find a link except from a very old recording. I loved hearing Glen sing and the pure enjoyment of God's love he shared in every song. I wish I could have found a newer version, but the old ones are pretty awesome to listen to also.
I hope your Friday is fantastic!
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