Dear Grizz,
Tonight I was listening to music on Sirius radio while on my break and a beautiful song came on, choir-like... almost religious in tone. I couldn't make out many of the words, but what I heard I knew I was familiar with for some reason... and they reminded me of the kindness you've offered me so often. So, I pulled over in the dark and did a voice search on my phone for the lyrics I had heard. The second stanza?....
...Oh, there are subtle patterns in the world. I can't find the song to post for you but here are the lyrics. I'm sure you are very familiar with them. Thank you again for your friendship. Among all your years of proof.... heres another reason to know you do not live in vain.
............
If I can stop one Heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one Life the Aching
Or cool one Pain
Or help one fainting Robin
Unto his Nest again
I shall not live in Vain.
~Emily Dickenson (of course)
Robin…I am really and truly humbled near to tears by your words, and at the same time immeasurably honored to be your friend. A long time ago I learned that nothing gives me greater pleasure than helping others, in whatever way I can, big or small. Sometimes that's help in some material way, or in an extra hand or service—sometimes it's just words, a hug, or shared tears. Sometimes all you can give are your thoughts and prayers. Yet that opportunity is one of the most wonderful blessings life affords. If there's anything I want to be remembered for, it's that whenever I could, I tried my best to give to those in need…and gave whatever it was from my heart.
ReplyDeleteThere's an old, old song that may be the original version of what you heard, why it sounded vaguely familiar. I believe the title is "If I Can Help Somebody," but I've also seen it given as "Then My Living Shall Not Be in Vain." It's been recorded by hundreds of singers. I grew up hearing it sung in church and on the radio, by everyone from Red Foley to Tennessee Ernie Ford, Big Crosby to Mahalia Jackson. The lyrics so far as I remember them are:
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they're travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
Chorus:
My living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
————
I don't see how a person can have (or want) a better, more meaningful, more rewarding life philosophy. Along the same line, here's a link to another song that I love dearly because it says what I want my life to be about and for, and says it more beautifully than I could ever manage. It uses the lovely Sibelius melody, "Finlandia Hymn," and words by Gloria Gaither.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxyBMQJuTuc
I hope you like it. Thank you again, your words have touched me deeply. I hope always to live up to them. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend,
Jim