Tribute

It's hard to believe, with all the moving I've done over the last ten years, but I am currently halfway through my third year in Stockton, and my third season with Chorale. I seem to be putting down roots and making a go of being settled somewhere.

I can't say that I know everyone in Chorale; there's simply too many of us. But I feel a certain cameraderie with everyone in this group because of what we do, and as I've gotten to know more people, I have felt genuine fondness for so many of them.

There's an older married couple, Paul and Lois, that I've always thought were lovely. I don't know them too well, but they've always been friendly to me and I've always thought it quite sweet how he holds doors for her, how they often walk hand-in-hand, even though both are well into old age. There's a sweetness, a deep friendship, that is apparent in them, and I've always watched them from a distance and thought, "I'd love to have that when I'm their age."

Paul passed away this morning. He'd been ill with pneumonia for a good couple of weeks, and let's face it, serious lung issues at age 80-something is never good. But my heart skipped a beat a few minutes ago when I clicked into my email inbox and saw an email from Chorale with the simple subject line: "Paul ____."

Paul and Lois have been involved in Chorale for many years, acting as Treasurer, auxiliary board members, and singers. Paul, a bass, has sat across from me at rehearsals since our new director arrived this fall and rearranged the sections so that the men are no longer in the middle of the group. I noticed that he was always smiling as he sang, and if a Tuesday evening found me in a rotten mood for some reason, his smiling face always made me feel better. You could count on Paul to smile all through rehearsal, and you could count on him and Lois to arrive together, shuffling in as older folk sometimes do, always ready with a warm greeting.

My heart hurts for Lois tonight. And my heart hurts for Chorale because surely a big hole is left when one voice is lost forever.

Rest in peace, Paul. I don't know what happens after death, but I hope that wherever you are, you're singing with a big smile on your face.