My Warbling Grandmother Opal

My Warbling Grandmother Opal—Easter Giggles

Easter was a time in The Pumphrey Clan when we all descended to Colorado Springs where my grandparents lived. We would meet at First Christian Church there and occupy at least two pews. The hymns of Easter were very predictable. Lined up in the pew were seven kids as my baby brother Don was be cared for in the church nursery. A standard Easter hymn in Disciples world is “Up from the Grave He Arose”. My grandmother Opal, a preachers kid then in her 60s loved to sing. She warbled… a lot. We went from giggles to covering our face lest out laughter be costly. She was clueless as she entertained her grandkids.

I can do a reasonable rendition of her singing, but alas the blog spares you that experience. I marvel again at the capacity of the human mind to record, remember and replay experiences of decades past. The reality that they are stored on some synapses buried in my brain, that when called upon can show up to perform. Much of my life today is spent enjoying the recall of a whole life while at the same time adding new experiences.

I am in the middle of Tennessee where song birds create a chorus of singing that could compete with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I wound not know a Warbler from a Wren, but their cacophony is unmatched both in joy and exuberance. Tomorrow is Easter. Our plan is to drive 165 miles to Kentucky to share Easter Sunday with my friend Judi. It’s a small country church in New Union, Kentucky. which has maintained a presence there for nearly 200 years. I have no idea what songs they have selected for the worship service. If by chance I get to sing the Old Standards I will be joined in the “communion of saints”.

Forgive me for my sentimental meanderings, sometimes they are not about the past but rather to run down the road knowing that “He Has Risen”. Oh Yes “Up from the grave he arose with a mighty triumph or’ his foes, He arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives for ever with the saints to reign. HE AROSE, HE AROSE, Hallelujah Christ Arose”—Preach it Mark!!!

Onward and Upward,

Mark