The Lesson I Almost Missed

The Lesson I Almost Missed

Pull up a chair and sit awhile

August 6, 2026

Dear Friend:

My sister has a very, very beautiful voice. I, on the other hand, well, let's just say a cat screeching on the back fence sounds infinitely better than my voice. Nonetheless, I decided to try out for junior choir. Sister Theresa Mary was the junior choir director. She told me, and I quote, "Out of respect for your sister, I will allow you to join choir. However, you have to stand in the back and sing very, very low." I remember her words exactly to this day. I was not deterred. I was determined I was going to prove her wrong. Well, that was a fool's errand. I eventually dropped out of choir. That was in seventh grade.

The next year, I was devastated to learn that Sister Teresa Mary was going to be my teacher for eighth grade. I was certain my terrible voice and my short career with Junior Choir would come back to haunt me. For the first few days I tried to lay low. I did not volunteer anything I did not have to volunteer.  Our first art class I was not able to lay low any longer. We each had to take our drawing to Sister Theresa Mary. I remember walking up to her very slowly and very hesitantly with the picture I had drawn. She looked at it for a long time. I wanted a trap door to open in the floor. Then Sister looked at me and said  “You may not have a very pretty voice, but you are a very, very talented artist.” That Christmas, my parents gave me an easel, canvases, paints, and brushes. Looking back, I don't think Sister Theresa Mary was trying to embarrass me the day I auditioned for choir. She was trying to help me see something I couldn't yet see for myself.

I wasn't meant to sing in the choir.

But I was meant to create.

Sometimes we become so focused on one dream that we overlook the gifts we've already been given. Doors close, plans change, and disappointments come our way. Yet every now and then, one closed door quietly points us toward another that fits us much better.

Years later, I still think about what Sister Theresa Mary said. She saw an artist before I did.

Perhaps life is a little like that. Sometimes the answer isn't found by forcing our way through a closed door. Sometimes it's waiting behind the one that just opened.

Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.

Be well,

Emma

Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.