TO CARLA



there's a comforting thought at the close of the day
when i'm lonely, weary and sad
that sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart
and bids it be merry and glad
it gets in my soul and drives out the blues
and finally thrills me through and through
it's just a sweet memory that chants the refrain:
"i'm glad i touched shoulders with you!"

did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong?
did you know there was one leaning hard?
did you know that i waited and listened and prayed
and was cheered by your simplest word?
did you know that i longed for that smile on your face,
for the sound of your voice ringing true?
did you know i grew stronger and better because
i had merely touched shoulders with you?

i am glad that i live, that i battle and strive
for the place that i know i must fill
i am thankful for sorrows i'll meet with a grin
what fortune may come, good or ill
i may not have wealth; i may not be great
but i know i shall always be true
for i have in my life the courage you gave
when once i touched shoulders with you.

-author unknown


today i will say goodbye to carla. my dear, sweet friend who suffers from illness and is no longer able to be my next-door neighbor and piano teacher. my heart is heavy and i almost don't dare to walk the few feet to her front door and enter an empty house to say a goodbye. i have been blessed with the opportunity to get to know this talented and sweet woman... this summer was fun to spend time giggling and cheering as i attempted to learn all the songs in the PIANO I songbook! our conversations about therapy and God were good too. i will pray for our paths to meet again.