Many of us have been part of award-winning musical groups and know the hard work and zip-zest-pep-drive-and-desire it takes to make it to the top. Acappella Omaha has medalled several times, but has never been number one in the 19 years in which I've been a member. Although there are still some long-timers who remember winning regional championships 30+ years ago. Whatever the reason, I try to remember to enjoy the journey and not focus on the lack as I've learned you typically get more of whatever you focus on, and who needs more lack?!
When I distance myself a bit, it just all seems more like a test of patience than anything else, as both the chorus and the quartet have moments of magic about which we can all be proud. I feel it's a test of patience with ourselves (as sometimes sounds fall out of our mouths which aren't the intended), patience with our riser mates, patience with our directors, patience with our choreographers, patience with our coaches, etc. We're all on a mission and I really hope to be a part of it when we finally reach our destination! However, it only starts all over again the next year, so a person has to think there's more to it all than a first place blue ribbon and medal. What are we here to learn?
When I think of patience and people in my life who have done such good jobs of modelling it, my one-and-only aunt, Mary Ann Winkler, comes to mind. She passed away a little over a week ago, and so was prevalent in my thoughts this past weekend, as we were competing in Cedar Rapids. She was one of those people you might say had 'the patience of Job'. I posted a tribute to her on my Facebook page and one of the dozens of comments reads, "She was brilliant. Thoughtful, courageous, faithful. One of those people you are fortunate to know..."
I believe Mary Ann was truly put on this earth to teach those around her. Not only was she a professor for part of her life, she dealt for many years with the pain of Crohn's Disease, other ailments and finally colon cancer--about which she rarely complained. She was also a model to all of us of what a supportive wife and devoted mother looks like. She was married to my one-and-only uncle, Dana, a retired city attorney, and mother of my one-and-only cousin, Jonathan, a Rhodes Scholar who happens to be deaf, but never let that slow him down. I believe part of Jonathan's patience and stick-to-it-tive-ness stems from being raised by a mother with admirable patience, who did all she could to give him the tools he needed to succeed. I know the loss of this very special wife and mother will be significant, and I wish Dana and Jonathan peace, comfort and finally joy in having had the blessing of being so close to such a loving soul.
I personally will miss the connection Mary Ann and I had regarding gardening. This photo was taken in 2009, the last time she was able to visit ours (Mary Ann is sitting between my mother an me).
I think the way the last week has unfolded is another of God's many teachings in patience, love and what's truly important in life, and I will strive to remember the lessons.
Today's Quote:
"Adopt the pace of nature--her secret is patience."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
