I’m sharing a deeply personal and emotional part of my life—my journey as a former alto choir singer and the unexpected ways music has remained a source of joy and comfort. This story weaves together memories of singing in our church choir, the challenges of recent years, and the sweet moments of singing lullabies to my two boys.
A Harmonious Beginning
For many years, I was an alto singer in our church choir, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Our choir director, who also happens to be my amazing husband, brought out the best in all of us. Together, we created harmonies that resonated through the church, lifting spirits and bringing a sense of peace and community.
The Pause in the Music
However, life has a way of creating pauses in the music. Four years ago, my life shifted dramatically with the arrival of our two beautiful boys, followed by the pandemic. The choir practices and Sunday services that once filled my week became distant memories. With the demands of motherhood and the challenges of a global crisis, singing in the choir was something I had to set aside.
The Impact on My Voice
Not singing regularly has taken its toll on my voice. I miss the warm-ups, the rehearsals, the feeling of being part of something greater than myself. My voice, once strong and confident, has suffered from the lack of practice and use. There are times when I wonder if I will ever regain the vocal strength I once had.
Finding New Joy in Old Hymns
Despite these changes, music has never truly left my life. Instead, it has transformed into something even more intimate and precious. I now find immense joy in singing hymns as lullabies to my boys. In the quietness of their room, with only the soft glow of a nightlight, I hum the melodies that once filled the church. These moments are sacred, filled with love and tenderness.
A New Audience
My boys are my new audience, and their response is the sweetest reward. As I sing to them, their eyes grow heavy, their breathing slows, and a sense of calm envelops us all. These hymns, which once echoed in a grand church, now create a cocoon of comfort and safety around my children. It’s a reminder that music’s power lies not in its grandeur, but in its ability to touch hearts.
Embracing the Present
While I miss the choir and the communal act of singing, I am grateful for the new ways music has manifested in my life. Singing to my boys has taught me to appreciate the humble beauty of a single voice, the intimacy of a lullaby, and the profound connection that music fosters between us. These lullabies are not just songs; they are expressions of my love, my faith, and my hope for my children.
Looking Forward
I hope to return to the choir one day, to once again harmonize with others and feel the exhilaration of singing as part of a group. But for now, I am content with these quiet, precious moments. My voice may not be as strong as it once was, but it still carries the love and warmth that my boys need.
Conclusion: A Heart Full of Song
As I navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood and the responsibilities of my career, I hold on to the music that continues to enrich my life in unexpected ways. From the alto section of a church choir to the quiet hum of a mother’s lullaby, music remains a constant source of joy and connection.
Thank you for sharing in this journey with me. May we all find the melodies in our lives, no matter how softly they may play