The picture my sister showed my yesterday was wrinkled and worn in spots, showing it's age. It had been many many many years since I had seen the picture. I had forgotten most of it so looking at it was like seeing it for the first time. My memory was still true to what I did remember, as if that portion of the photograph had been copied into my brain......my sister and I in our matching navy blue jumpers, a la parochial school, that my grandmother had bought us from the Lane Bryant catalog. Even though we were not twins we were close enough in age that we were often dressed in matching outfits. The photo is of our Junior Choir in the Methodist Church in Falls Village. I'm not sure why the picture was even taken. I'm not sure why we have the funky bows across our necks or why we are all dressed in white tops and dark bottoms. We did have choir gowns. I have a feeling this may have been when the choir was first formed, before the church had the funds for gowns. Standing in the back corner, looking composed and beautiful, is our choir director and church organist, Ardys Walrath. She formed the Junior Choir shortly after moving to Falls Village and joining the church. She was still doing it years later when I went off to college and years after that formed a senior citizen choral group.
The picture may show it's age but something that doesn't is our choir director, shown above on the right. Yesterday we attended an open house celebrating her 90th birthday. She looks and acts far younger than her 90 years. I always remember her as being a kind and generous lady. She hosted my surprise bridal shower. She invited Paul and I her to home for dinner right after we got married. Perhaps she felt sorry for us because we were living in a log cabin without electricity.
Still active, she made visits to my mother in the nursing home, bringing her a supply of books to read.
There were three of us at the open house from her original choir to reminisce and wish her happiness on her birthday. Choir practice was every Friday after school and I NEVER once balked at going. Mrs. Walrath was always dressed very primly in a neatly pressed white blouse and black skirt. She had the patience of Job when it came to dealing with giggling little girls. One of the members admitted to me yesterday that he was often late to practice because he stopped by the local grocery store first to play pin-ball. Mrs. Walrath was often a bit annoyed with him when he showed up late. He couldn't decide if it was because he was late or if it was because he was playing pinball but thinks it was a little bit of both.
It's always nice to think that you made a difference in someone's life. She can rest assured that she has. She never EVER once criticized my questionable ability to sing. She just let me enjoy it. I went on to sing in the Glee Club in college. Even though my voice is showing it's age and sounds as scratchy as that choir picture looks, I still love to sing. And every time I do I think of her and her patience, patience, patience.
Happy happy 90th to a great lady......and thank you for making part of my life so much better.
