Choir Practice

I stopped by the house before choir practice to pick up my choir folder and check on Drew. I climbed out of the car after a long yet strangely productive day at the Library (can you believe I whittled my inbox down from almost 600 messages to 28??!! And I really took proper care of things - organizing to task folders, responding where necessary, reassigning, delegating - wow! Somedays I get an inkling of the 'good ole pre-chemo days and it makes me so happy!)



As I stood in the chill of the early evening air and stretched a bit, I could hear a ruckus from the sky above. A goose was flying about honking in distress. It actually sounded like he was crying. He was the only goose I could see, and he appeared to be making circles over the apartment complex.



I wondered what the deal was, and stood still a few minutes to watch, fascinated. Little birds scattered at the goose's approach. He honked non-stop, that same frantic croak over and over and over. He didn't appear injured or anything. Just alone. Minutes passed. Nearly twenty since I first saw the solitary bird. How could he keep flying for so long without stopping to rest?



Hating to tear myself away, I knew I had limited time before I needed to be at the church, so I carefully mounted the steps, looking backwards and scanning the sky for any sign of other geese. Nothing. With a sigh, I went in the house and took care of stuff. Drew was so tired he was sleeping in a chair with the TV on. I turned it off and left him in peace. Obviously he needed the rest.



Forty minutes later, I headed back to the car. As I stepped onto the stoop, I immediately heard my lone goose honking as he flipped past the edge of the building nearby. He was on the far side of the complex when I settled into the car and pulled out of the parking lot.



Just as I got to the stop sign on Union Street, I hear a change in the pitch of his honk. I lowered the window and craned my neck to see what was going on. From the east, a small black V was approaching. The lone goose headed straight for them. I waited to see him safely back in the fold.



But the geese flock passed him by. No one welcomed him or slowed down to make sure he was OK. They just kept flying, a few of them honking as they changed leaders. The lone goose circled about them for a few minutes, then headed back to continue his vigil over the complex. How sad. I guess it wasn't his family.

Choir practice went well despite a non working furnace. We prepared more than our usual anthem since we are joining with other area choirs to sing an evening concert. It was fun and the time flew by. As we were leaving the building, one of the altos who is fairly new to the group, shyly came up and said how enjoyable choir practice is for her and how much she looks forward to coming all week. It just feels like home.

In the back of my mind, I could see that lone goose honking around, looking for his family, for where he fit and was accepted. I looked at the lovely lady before me, alone in the area, making a bold approach to say what was on her heart. I agreed with her heartily, and gave her a hug. If I could have honked happily to tell her I was glad she was part of our "V" I would have, but I hope she felt welcomed and part of the choir family.

We walked out the door together laughing and singing. It was a good practice.