Precious Lord

In spite of not being able to get out of bed today, Neil had a sweet day.

We were not looking forward to having a new CNA for the weekend. Delores, our regular CNA is off on Saturday and Sunday.

When Latisha arrived, we were not impressed.. She was late, got lost on the way and had trouble reading a simple book to Neil. Neil  decided to take a nap, so  that he could be ready  for his visit with  Jennifer Singer, our wonderful, rabbi;  He looks forward to her visits.

 I asked  Latisha to  do some simple household tasks, while I  ran some errands. I left soon after greeting Jennifer who chatted with Neil and sang him several   favorite Hebrew songs and listened to his dreams (next blog). His spirits were lifted.

 Jennifer  is our rabbi but  has  also become our  friend.  Tomorrow she leaves for a kallah in Calif, but told Neil that since he can no longer come to temple she would like to hold a shabbat service in our bedroom when she returns in July.  We were deeply,deeply touched by this offer. How lucky are we to belong to a temple like Kol HaNeshama.

When Jennifer  left, Latisha came into the  room to see if he needed anything.She commented on the beauty of the music she heard and told Neil she also liked to sing. In fact, shie told us, she  was the aunt of the Sarasota runner up for American Idol! Neil mentioned that he enjoys Mahalia Jackson and gospel music especially  the song "Precious Lord". (Google it, if you have not heard it).

Latisha a short andstout, rather  non descript woman was suddenly  transformed  before our eyes into an angel  as she belted out her version of Mahalia's "Precious Lord".

As I walked in the door,  I was transfixed  by the music coming from the bedroom. I thought Mahalia was paying  us a visit.   Latisha  sang several other songs as I stood in awe in the doorway and silently wept along with Neil. The tears and the music flowed.

Latisha  could not read, .but  boy could  she  sing. I gave her a standing ovation and she favored us with  world's biggest smile and ended  with "You are the wind bemath my wings".  Neil felt like he had a ringside seat today to  two wondeful,  moving,  unexpected concerts.
 The room still echos with her voice and Jennifer's spirit.
Thank you Jennifer, thank you Latisha for the the mitzvah of your special gifts.
You made our day!

Cheryl




















I left the house at 3 and returned at 4:30. As i came up the walk, I thought i heard Neil listening to his favorite   Mahalia Jackson CD playing.   As I entered the bedroom, I  was taken by surprise to hear Latisha singing Precious Lord, followed by You are My Hero. She sang so beautifully that my eyes welled up with tears and I stood in the doorway and wept, big soulful tears. Latisha could not read,but boy cold she sing.