Remember my words, remember my voice.
Remember my thoughts, remember my choice.
Remember my touch, remember my goal,
Remember my dream, remember my soul. ("Remember My Song" - Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse)

90 singers gathered together on Monday Morning to sing at Richard (Dick) Wesp's Burial Eucharist. They ranged in age from their late teens to their mid-80s. They came from all over the country. A few of our own parishioners sang in this memorial choir. The music was beyond beautiful ... heavenly.

The song they sang following communion was written for Daniel Pearl, following Pearl's brutal capture and execution  in Pakistan. The Daniel Pearl Foundation instituted the Pearl World Music Days as a artistic means for reminding us "of the principles by which Danny lived, the universal power of music and our shared humanity."  I believe that Richard Wesp shared Daniel Pearl's values and believed that music was the best way to live into his own faith as well as share it with others around him.

Pearl was a talented violinist in addition to being a world class journalist. Thus, Remember My Song features violin accompaniment.  We have Michael Spresser, to thank for choosing this song for Monday's choir to perform. Some of the choir members may have first sung it at Dick's retirement party not so long ago. It was surprising I suppose when Dick finally decided to retire. They had quite a party from what I've heard. It was surprising when we learned that Dick was gravely ill. We are not celebrating his death yet we are especially grateful for the gifts, devotion, and songs he shared here at St. James for the past 64 years.

It is at times such as the ones that we are presently living in that we are called to remember what motivated our deceased loved ones' lives. They beckon us to their love and remember their songs.  Such remembrances are not especially easy.  They are nonetheless necessary for our own well-being, healing, and comfort.

I invite you between now and this coming Sunday (Sept. 30th) to contemplate what Dick personally meant to you. You might want to remember a special time or story that you shared with him. You may wish to write him a personal note of appreciation that you then keep for your own healing.  The Facebook Richard Wesp Memorial and Remembrances page has been a meaningful space for friends and families to share stories, photos, and more. You may find comfort there as well as a place to share your own story.

I mentioned this Sunday because I intend to devote time on the 30th during worship to share stories about Dick with one another. His death may have stirred up emotions linked to the deaths of other beloved parishioners and family members. If so, this period of remembrances may provide space and time to grieve, forgive, let go, say goodbye, or abide with some or all of these heart-felt, heavy aspects of being human. 

 I invite you to listen to "Remember My Song" ... remember how fortunate we were to have Dick and his talents with us. Remember last summer's World Choir Games, last year's Lessons and Carols, or some other musical moment(s) that would not have happened here over the past five decades without Dick. Remember... Thankfully, authentically.

Blessings Along The Way, Jim+