Sometimes You Can Only Laugh At Yourself

This was one of those weeks when you have to laugh at yourself. Early in the week I was conducting a funeral. I w as just beginning to lead the congregation in singing Amazing Grace. I put my guitar on my shoulder and after I got the strap adjusted I backed away from the microphone as I normally do when I am singing. As I backed up I felt something against my back. I moved forward a little and to my horror a vase full of flowers crashed to the floor. There was glass and water and flowers all over the carpet. Trying to make the best of it I moved down in front of the pulpit and lead in the singing of the song. As I was singing I noticed that several family members were laughing. It was a particularly sad occasion so I was surprised. When I was finished leading the singing they told me why. It seems that two of the pieces of greenery had stuck behind my guitar strap forming what looked like green wings. They were convinced that somehow the deceased person had a hand in arranging this. She was known for her practical jokes. It was one last joke at my expense. The good part is that it brought some sense of easing the pain of losing a mother, sister and friend.

On Thursday evening we were over at my son's house. I was telling them that I had a funeral the next day. My daughter-in-law was teasing and told to be careful that I didn't fall off the stage (platform). I have been guilty of standing to close to the edge in the past. The next day everything went off without a hitch until I was packing up to leave. I have trifocal glasses and sometimes it can be deceiving if you do not look right down at where you are stepping. I went down one step and looked to avoid a flower vase. I missed the step and went crashing to the ground. In an instant I was on the floor with several men around me, all worried that I was seriously hurt. Fortunately, all I had was a bump on my head, a sore elbow and wounded pride. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Perhaps we can dream

An Old Song I used to sing that reminds me of why we remember on Rembrance day. We not only need to remember our soldiers who have given their precious lives but why our freedom is so precious.

Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream
words and music by Ed McCurdy

Last night I had the strangest dream I'd ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war
I dreamed I saw a mighty room
Filled with women and men
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again
And when the paper was all signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful pray'rs were prayed

And the people in the streets below
Were dancing 'round and 'round
While swords and guns and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd never dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.

TRO-©1950,1951 & 1955 Almanac Music, Inc.New York, N.Y. Copyrights renewedUsed by permission