Hallelujah!

Terese belongs to a terrific choir. Actually, she belongs to several, but one is particularly amazing. It's a large audition-only but volunteer choir that focuses on classical vocal and orchestral music.

Pre-Sjogren's dryness and fatigue, I used to sing right next to her in the alto section. We used to have a grand old time. Although our repertoire used to vary each season, we used to begin each year with Handel's Messiah - all three hours of it. And I loved each and every minute. They still begin each season with this gem.

For someone who loves to sing, there is no better experience than to be standing on risers, in the midst of a very large choir consisting of very talented individuals, (I have no idea how I managed to be in there...) facing a live orchestra and a standing-room-only venue singing the Messiah.

Sometimes, surrounded by by the power of that many voices and instruments creating such spectacular music, it was difficult to stifle my emotions and sing past the tears of joy.

Ahhh.

A zillion years ago, we made a recording. I have put together a soundtrack of our rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. If you listen carefully, you can hear Terese and I belting out those alto parts. (Yes. Among the forty-some other altos. Sure.)

Now when I listen, instead of tears of joy, I blink back tears of regret that I didn't appreciate those times more.

I miss some of my pre-Sjogren's life...........so much.