In Memoriam

Life. This is a word which carries within itself as many meanings and undertones as any word in our language. Philosophically, it refers to existence. Medically, it refers to the ability of the body to function. Politically, it means anti-abortion. Joyfully, it means one is free. Spiritually, it gives the promise of an eternity with The Creator. All of these ideas are wrapped into this one four letter word. Life.

Speaking of life, a woman who shaped the lives of many young people passed today. To those whose lives she influenced, she was a woman without equal. I cannot speak for most, as they have stories of their own to share, but I can speak for me... I can tell her story through my eyes. Life.

It was in my high school years when I first met her. You see, I had been an alto saxophone player in the school band program for six years or so and it wasn't until my junior year that I decided to follow in the tradition of my family and sing in the choir--that is, I decided at her urge. I was walking out of the band rehearsal room after school hours singing The Russian Sailor's Dance when I heard the click clack of high-heels trying to run behind me. When I turned to confront the commotion, there she stood looking at me. "Was that you singing just now?" "Yes, it was" She then suggested (and those of you who knew her know that when she suggested something, it wasn't a suggestion) I audition for choir next year. I did. Life.

The subsequent year brought more blessings than any person should be allowed to enjoy over an entire lifetime. Every second of my day I wished I could spend in her choir room. I was content to make copies, collate pages, dust, run to Sonic and get a Route 44 Diet Coke with Lime added, whatever she needed to have done. Why? Why was I content to spend my senior year as a lackey? She offered to all of us something very special. Life. Life that could only be experienced through the sacred connection of voice and music--the joint effort of the physical body and the spirit. Life.

Those of you who know me know that I am where I am today because of this woman. While my short and feeble attempt at a eulogy is lacking in respect the profound effect she had on my life and it's direction, I still feel like I owe it to her. Life.

I can't begin to recount all the amazing experiences we all shared with her in ToC--there are simply too many. But what sticks out the most to me was her insistance that we acknowledge God in group prayer and ask for his blessings before any performance. This was in public school. All the moments like this one really shaped how I view music and my relationship with God throught it. Life.

In her last years, the physical pain she lived daily was unbearable. Today, she finally lives without pain. And as we always talked about in her view of Heaven, she is now prepping the Angel Chorus for an eternity of Praise!

Rest well, Mama Cato. Our memories of you and our anticipation of our reunion and an eternity of singing and praising God with you will deeply drive us toward the final goal. May God Bless you!