In all that's been going on, I forgot to mention: I have, after almost 10 years of living here, auditioned for and joined the local gay chorus. One of my best friends, in fact, has been harping on me for this since I met him in 1997, so he was thrilled to death to see me there last week.
What an instant community it's become for me. The director called everyone (including me, among the one-rehearsal newbies) after Frances passed through to see if everyone was okay, and if anyone needed help. After Charley he had done the same thing, and told people who needed help. Rehearsal this week (Wednesday night) was the most normal thing I've done all week, and was quite a relief. Everyone there checked in on everyone else, not just for the physical "OK," but the emotional as well.
The director brushed off kudos for his phone calls by explaining that it was just what a community should be about. Agreed, but I'd stress the "should." (For example: I have yet to hear any news out of my church — only news from the close friends I have who also happen to go to my church.) I may be the new guy in the chorus, and the incredibly shy one, but I definitely feel like I've landed in another family-you-create (as opposed the family-you're-born-with).
And Friends are the family that God did not give us. So now you have another group of friends to call Family. :-) And you know that You are a part of my family :-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the chorus. I know a few people who were or still are in it. They put on some really good shows.
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