My toffeenut caramel coffee on the table in front of me, I scroll through Instagram and message two dear friends. The quiet hum of morning surrounds me and my phone chirps an incoming call.
I read the name on the screen and smile. I greet my caller with a cheery good morning and her voice of over-ninety-years of living twinkles into my ear.
“Happy Birthday!” she tells me. I thank her for the wishes AND for the happy, happy card in my mailbox yesterday!
“I’m going to sing to you,” she says. I cross my ankles and sink into my chair and settle into her voice trilling out the notes. How many times, do you suppose, she has sung these words, wishing well to all the people she loves so big with her generous heart?!
The tears will come. There’s no stopping them springing in my eyes.
Every now and then, life stops us in our tracks, reminding us of the golden, precious moments we’re beholding in this very day.
I try to compose myself as she begins the second verse, so I’ll, you know, be able to actually croak out a presentable and understandable “thank you” at the end.
Life will not always be as it is today.
How often I need this reminder!!! Stop, Deborah! Look, Deborah! Listen, Deborah! Notice, Deborah! Savor, Deborah!
It’s not everyday we receive the gift of a birthday song sung by our 90+ friend. 💓
My heart becomes more tender toward these moments every year, toward the beauty and blessing in them, the amazing graciousness and kindness in caring people.
Later, I lift my phone to my ear to listen to a voicemail. It’s a happy birthday song again, this time in the combined piping voices of a two year old, four year old, and six year old.
These little voices bring delighted laughter to my lips and I’m honestly rather glad I missed the call and have their song caught on recording.
A beautiful contrast between the voices of young life and the voice of a long life, yet the same reminder in both.
From little up, “Do What You Can, Where You Can, When You Can, For Who You Can!”
Whether it’s lisping out a song across a phone line your mama dialed, or lifting the phone receiver in hands that shake a bit with years gone by, the gift God puts in us, we get to pass along to others!!!
Monica Valencia says
Yes! I have an idea of a couple I am working on narrowing it down. This is my first canvas so it is pretty hard to pick just one!! This is beautiful and I would love to have one!