Sunday, December 13, 2009

Madison Community Christmas Concert--I Made It!

Tonight was the Community Choir Christmas concert that I've been practicing for since November 1. I wasn't sure if I could handle it--NaNoWriMo was starting, and more importantly, the health problems I've been dealing with since October of 2007 made me feel very unsure of being able to stand and sing for a length of time without struggling with low blood sugar and dizziness. But, I've missed music in my life for SO long, and I wanted to give it a shot.

So I went to my first practice and it was WEIRD. Not because of the people or the director, but because of the location: my old high school music room. I hadn't walked in that school room for 35 years! Yet, within minutes, it all came back--sight-reading new music, learning my part (second soprano--or "slacker soprano" as one of my tenor friends calls it), and the art of blending my voice with others. Our choir was a mixture of folks older, and much younger, than me, but I loved it right from the get-go.

I didn't miss a single practice, learned my music, and struggled week to week to control the health issues that threatened my resolve. But finally--FINALLY--the night of the concert came and I was as ready as I could be! In my right pocket: glucose tablets to get me through the performance--and in my left pocket: Kleenex and lip balm. I planned my doses of quick sugar: one after the second song...one after the fourth...and one at the end...and a left-over tab--just in case.

Well, I used them all, but I made it through! If you've ever experienced serious health problems, then you can understand my feeling of victory tonight--I did something NORMAL! And not just normal, but soul-feeding. I took back a part of myself that had been missing for, oh, so long. I knew my Jewelly sisters were praying, and I knew my family (who was in the audience) were rooting for me, and I knew God was saying, "I know you can do it--I'll be right there with you. Let's go!"

I've posted a link to photobucket of one song loaded from our camera video (the real video camera stopped working, of course). The song is called, "Unto to Us", and the picture is a bit shaky because my poor son had to hold the camera up through the entire performance, but here's the video. (Click the link to hear the song.) I hope you enjoy it! By the way, if you look in the second row, middle, just beneath the choir director's arm, you can see me--once in a while-LOL)

Community Choir

6 comments:

Arlee Bird said...

I could't find the link, but appreciated the post. So I'm guessing you have a fairly severe diabetic condition. I've been diagnosed with Type 2 and take medication to control sugar levels, but it's never bother me and I don't do as well as I should diet-wise.
But it's nice that you were able participate in the choir presentation. And it's pretty cool about your rehearsal space. I love going back to places I remember from many years back and reliving experiences from the past.
If I'm not able to comment on you postings during the holiday season, then I'll be back after the New Year.
Have a blessed Christmas and holiday season.
Lee

Andrea said...

Diabetes can be difficult to control. Thankfully, we are able to control my husband's mostly through diet. He does take a lost does med.

Praying for you and thankful you were able to participate. Hope you have a wonderful Holiday!

Blessings, andrea

Sara Harricharan said...

Yay!!! I loved it...even if I could barely only see you, lol. Great, great job! ^_^

Dee Yoder said...

Thanks, everyone! I was glad to make it through. Yes, it is type 2 diabetes, but mine is hormone driven--I have lots of trouble keeping blood sugars from going too low during "activities" like: walking, shopping, singing, and even sleeping-LOL. I just have to be careful--but I don't always feel well and am dizzy. I appreciate your kind words and support!

Arlee Bird said...

Oh, dumb me! I found the link and it was wonderful-- camera not too shaky, actually pretty good. I've always liked the Michael W. Smith song "Emmanuel" that is mixed into the medley your choir is performing. Good job.
Lee

LauraLee Shaw said...

DEE, that was AMAzing. Wow, you all sounded like a famous choir! I'm so glad you got to experience this and that the Lord gave you this wonderful, wonderful worshipful experience. Love you, sister.

LaLee