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Sooooo, when I'm on duty at church, I have access to the detailed order of service (not to mention the fact that I proof-read it ahead of time, whether I'm on duty or not). I really should have paid better attention. I thought one of my fave jazz/scat singers was merely performing throughout the service (with the choir taking a break). Uh-huh. She was also preaching, what we call sharing of stories. What a fascinating life she'd led. And she would have never shown up unless our retiring music director had invited her one day two decades ago.
As if that hadn't been enough to make church extra special, we also had Judy and Dennis Shepard - Matthew's parents - drop in on their way to the airport. They'd been in a nearby city for the presentation of "The Laramie Project" at a school. They spoke about Matthew, his love of being involved in the Episcopal church, being an acolyte, also of seeing his ashes interred at the National Cathedral in DC, and ultimately of their goal of seeing the kind of diversity and openness they experienced with us happening everywhere. They only spoke for five minutes, but they were so powerful, even if Judy was crying softly when she stopped and Dennis began.
When I got home, I began writing. Eventually, the service was up on YouTube so I watched the bits I'd missed because I was preparing to serve. After that, I decided I needed a break from the heightened emotions, so went to bed watching SNL, dozing off and then finally falling asleep, not waking up until 9:15 p.m. Oops! Then came the mad dash to finish writing and posting which didn't happen until after midnight, but at least I didn't have that hanging over until today. And, then, I stayed up until around 2.
One last thing. Even though it was cold out, I fluffed up my hair, added product and hairspray and went out without wearing my beret. My friends liked my hair, one said it looked like a recreation from hippy days! Which is hilarious as I haven't had it cut or coloured since mid December. All hail my curling spray!
As if that hadn't been enough to make church extra special, we also had Judy and Dennis Shepard - Matthew's parents - drop in on their way to the airport. They'd been in a nearby city for the presentation of "The Laramie Project" at a school. They spoke about Matthew, his love of being involved in the Episcopal church, being an acolyte, also of seeing his ashes interred at the National Cathedral in DC, and ultimately of their goal of seeing the kind of diversity and openness they experienced with us happening everywhere. They only spoke for five minutes, but they were so powerful, even if Judy was crying softly when she stopped and Dennis began.
When I got home, I began writing. Eventually, the service was up on YouTube so I watched the bits I'd missed because I was preparing to serve. After that, I decided I needed a break from the heightened emotions, so went to bed watching SNL, dozing off and then finally falling asleep, not waking up until 9:15 p.m. Oops! Then came the mad dash to finish writing and posting which didn't happen until after midnight, but at least I didn't have that hanging over until today. And, then, I stayed up until around 2.
One last thing. Even though it was cold out, I fluffed up my hair, added product and hairspray and went out without wearing my beret. My friends liked my hair, one said it looked like a recreation from hippy days! Which is hilarious as I haven't had it cut or coloured since mid December. All hail my curling spray!
