In the end, I couldn’t bring myself to make a long entry about Jessie. Not today. But I hope that in a way, this can be a proper tribute. Toward the end of Jessie’s funeral service, we were allowed to come up and speak if we desired. I could not speak. Instead, I sang this. 

Mrs. Winterholler had asked me if I could record it. Until today, I was unable to sing it again. So, this is for you, Jessie, and for the Winterholler family, and for anyone who wanted a copy of it. It only seemed fitting that someone should sing Les Miserables in her memory, and I couldn’t think of a few lines that could fit more perfectly than this.

Take my hand, and lead me to Salvation
Take my Love, for love is everlasting.
And remember the truth that once was spoken;

To love another person is to see the face of God.

A very short tribute to Jessie

It's a first try for a cover of "I gotta crow" - the Mary Martin version! I hope you all enjoy! Maybe some day I'll upload an improved version. :)

I Gotta Crow [Cover]

It really hasn’t been a lot like Christmas this year for many of us. Though I haven’t been able to talk much about it, the loss of one of the best friends I have ever had has weighed heavily on my mind. Even with the pain of loss, which I’ve experienced both this year and last year, there is something special about this season. No matter what holiday you celebrate, and whether or not the time of year stresses you out, I refuse to believe that there isn’t some kind of magic to it all. Not literal magic - more like… Disney magic. You believe it, so it’s real. 

No matter what this season is about for you, be it religious or secular, it’s about being around family and friends. It’s about telling the ones you love how much you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. It’s about taking some time off school, work if you can, just life in general to be with the ones who love you. 

Take a minute today and think about how lucky you are. Think about all the wonderful things and people you have in your life. It may not be perfect - god knows mine isn’t - but there are things that make you smile and keep you going every day. If it’s a person, let them know.

Every day is a new day. You wake up each morning, go to bed each night (or in most of our cases, each morning), and you have to make good use of the time you’re given. We are lucky. There’s no use comparing yourself to others — you may be more or less fortunate than someone you know, but there are still things in your life that you can appreciate. Draw strength and love from inside, and you’ll have plenty to go around. 

This is getting long, so I’ll end it here. The above recording is just a little something for my friends (and anyone else who might enjoy it). It has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, but now it has new meaning to me. Keep those who you know are struggling in your thoughts or prayers tonight. Send them love and joy, or deliver it to them personally with a smile or a quick hello. 

And to everyone I know who happens to be reading this; I love you. Thank you for being you. This is dedicated to Jessie.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays - May the New Year bring you peace and joy.

Love,

        Jess

changeofheart