A Personal Note

I was previewing the following TED concert when I learned that Rhoda Keehnel had died last Wednesday. It was only on the occasion of her death that friends learned her age. She was 87. She was loved by everyone who knew her, in spite of the fact that she never admitted that she a needed hearing aid—those of us in the Bible study group just needed to speak a little louder and more clearly. She was an impassioned liberal when it came to church doctrine, and bridled at narrow-mindedness and intolerance. Rhoda was always a little overdressed, even at Wednesday night Bible study group. Her bright fashion statements were seriously out-of-date, and her wigs were meticulously quaffed.

I stayed with her in the hospital when her husband collapsed one afternoon at the end of Grace Connection. We discussed politics, serious SDA doctrinal issues, and a few of the humorous situations life had tossed our way in the ER waiting room until the wee hours of Sunday morning when it became clear that Harold was going to be OK.

Rhoda and I danced at Nicki’s wedding. I had just learned to waltz for the occasion, and when Rhoda looked longingly at the dance floor, I offered to lead. When I put my arm around her, she was not shy in snuggling up. When I demonstrated the box step, she actually led me around the floor in short order. I, a formerly shy adolescent, and she, an Adventist preacher’s wife, moved pretty well. I was her last dance partner.

There is more to say, of course. Rhoda was a more than competent church pianist and organist, and I am confident that she played in every Saturday or Sunday church that asked her. She shared fruit from their trees with everyone—even supplied bags. She was generous and kindhearted; one of the most energetic people I have ever known. She claimed that she only needed four hours of sleep a night. I guess she finally needed a bit more.

The following choir piece is my way of saying goodbye with love.
Andy

Virtual Choir Live

Composer and conductor Eric Whitacre has inspired millions by bringing together "virtual choirs," singers from many countries spliced together on video. Now, for the first time ever, he creates the experience in real time, as 32 singers from around the world Skype in to join an onstage choir (assembled from three local colleges) for an epic performance of Whitacre's "Cloudburst," based on a poem by Octavio Composer and conductor Eric Whitacre has inspired millions by bringing together "virtual choirs," singers from many countries spliced together on video. Now, for the first time ever, he creates the experience in real time, as 32 singers from around the world Skype in to join an onstage choir (assembled from three local colleges) for an epic performance of Whitacre's "Cloudburst," based on a poem by Octavio Paz.