When they began reading names, my daughter started to weep, thinking of “Oma’s” (my mother’s) imminent death. I couldn’t help but join her. Mom likely will be gone by Thanksgiving, and we already are grieving.

The musicians, unfortunately, included two out-of-tune guitars, a partial-cracking trumpet, and a flute so off-pitch that I wondered if she were reading the wrong part. For you non-musicians, imagine spending ten minutes listening to fingernails on a chalkboard.

Under normal circumstances I (as a church musician myself) am only somewhat irked at less-than-competent performances at the parish, but this time I am rather enraged. I was sad, I was grieving, and my worship experience was ruined.

Less-than-perfect I can accept. I’ve made flubs myself. But less-than-competent? That’s disrespectful to God, and to the people sitting in the pews.

When I went through a very difficult time, the people who helped me were sypathetic but not emotional. When I felt completely out of control, it was so helpful to have people around me who were not. I’m sure it’s hard, but it is a gift you give another- your strength. God Bless!

thank you