Sunday, January 22, 2012

Life Stories

A story continues. . .A pang of sadness slowed my activity as I saw the headline that Joe Paterno had passed.   May he rest in peace. 
            His life, one of high glory and honor, has ended while questions are being answered and issues resolved.  News reports have me seeing his glory and honor, rightly earned and applauded, as now overshadowed.  I am sad about that. My reason for even weighing in on this is to lift up how important it is, to ourselves and to others, to be alert and discerning individuals as we handle our responsibilities day by day.  I am often criticized for how I question pertinent detail.  I will continue to do so.


A page turns. . .Gabrielle Giffords announced she is resigning her Congressional seat.  Unfathomable tragedy brought this about.  Yet, prayer, I believe, and her unbelievable strength, resiliency, determination, plus the skill, dedication and perseverance of the medical community brought this about, i.e., – Congresswoman Giffords made the announcement.  Think about that magnificent fact. No One Made It for Her.  She was able.  I Say, Thank You, Dear God.  And, I believe we will hear from her again, from Washington if she so desires.  The page will turn again.


A life ends. . .This week Etta James, a fabulous rhythm and blues singer from ‘back in the day’, passed away.  May she rest in peace.  Ms. James had been critically ill for a while.  I remember her talent and a passionate song style that appealed to my romantic daydreaming.
            The more significant memory for me, though, may be Etta James, not singing her trademark song “At Last” for President and Mrs. Obama at an Inaugural Ball. Beyoncé, who had portrayed the legendary singer in the movie Cadillac Records, performed the song.  A beautiful rendition – perhaps I might have thought it was Etta if it had been only vocal and not visual.
            I can’t put my hand on the 45rpm I thought I had, but at my first opportunity, having never seen the movie, I will rent the DVD of Cadillac Records.  Etta James’ memory lingers on for me.

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