April's Song
May 17, 1947, a young woman named Evelyn gave birth to her third and last child, whom she named April. Everyone wondered why she chose such an unusual name but she never explained so no one ever knew the reason - not even April. It was a very uncommon name in that day but over the last 79 years it remains somewhat rare.
Which actually turned out to perfectly represent the peculiarities of both the child and the mother.
Twenty-three years later,1970, once finally and fully launched into adulthood, April got to the Find Out stage of what real life was all about. The good, the bad, the ugly. As well as the blessed and even miraculous at times. Based on her experiences growing up she chose to take a positive attitude being grateful for the blessings and delegating the tougher times to the learning curve category.
A lot of finding out can be done in a 79 year timeframe. In my humble opinion, [unless you discovered electricity or something civilization changing], the most important achievements are accomplished in building family - marriage, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
But that’s just me - oddball extraordinaire, everyone has his/her own perceptions about what defines a life well lived.
Some folks are driven to laser focus on what their legacy might be, their reputation, value, purpose, titles and post nominal letters after their names that silently define their achievements and thus earning acclaim. I don’t recall ever making any decisions or moves based on what others might think of me in the moment or down the road, if that is what constitutes ‘legacy’. I admit I am anomalous and a weird duck.
One positive thing I can claim is that the people I birthed and the people they birthed and then the people those are now birthing, should know that I have only and ever wanted for them to choose to willingly be God’‘s purpose, not just seek it, regardless how unnoticeable it might seem in human interpretation.
As we know, an oak tree is just a tiny acorn that stood its ground.
This, of course, requires not a small amount of open-eyed truth seeking, question asking, sometimes being odd one out, and then walking in blind faith. If I can claim success in planting those seeds even if never recognized as my legacy, then that works for me.
What if you had the honor of hearing what others think your legacy is summed up in a song?
We have a friend, Ernie Halter, who is a talented singer/songwriter. We’ve hosted numerous concerts at the Funny Farm featuring him and rising stars like Tony Lucca and Rebecca Correia. Talk about EPIC good times!
Several years ago my youngest daughter commissioned him to write a song about me for my birthday. Imagine that! What an honor! Can’t say that happens all that often.
Sort of like being named April.
His music is all over the music streaming apps. He has numerous albums and you can find more info on him at erniehalter.com
Ernie Halter presents:
April’s Song
I think of my own grandmother whose influence still impacts me. She quietly demonstrated to her nine grandchildren (and everyone else who knew her) a stellar example of strong faith through tragedy, and what it means to live out the fruit of the Spirit, day in and day out. Surely the ripple effect from one life far exceeds what we can imagine. That's certainly true of you, April, proven by that truthful and affirming song composed for you!
I love the line where you said, "I have only and ever wanted for them to choose to willingly be God’‘s purpose, not just seek it, regardless how unnoticeable it might seem in human interpretation." Isn't that we all want! This song is amazing! What a gift! Happy Birthday!