Life since 2020 has been particularly challenging for so many people.  Sometimes we all need something to help us transcend the onslaught of seemingly insurmountable difficulties in the world.  During the long months of lockdowns and restrictions in my city, music and singing sustained me.  My spirits always lifted when I spent time in prayer, nature, and observing birds flying or singing freely with total abandon.  No matter what was happening around me, singing and music always transported me to a better place. The darkest days became joyful and my commitment to singing was further strengthened. 

Remembering my connection to music in a time of chaos – remembering who I was, why I loved singing, how it made me feel, and my memories of singing at many church liturgies over the decades – was a flame that could never be extinguished.  What I had already achieved and experienced with singing over the years, and my desire to continue, would not be quashed.