Never good bye!

It's not good bye.

It's just so long for now.

I've referenced this before--the fact that our current Organist/Choir Director is leaving OLP.

I can't believe it but am very excited for his new adventure. I also know that this is one person with whom I will keep in touch, as best I can.

His last weekend, I wanted to sing every Mass...the congregation clapped after each Mass and his final Mass very emotional. We had a reception after his final Mass....and then a week later, the Choir, Bell Choir and church staff members gathered at the Larchmere Tavern to give David the proper send off!

I can not even conjure up into words what David has done for me as a friend, a person, a mentor, a vocal coach, one of the best choir directors I've had, and definitely to pep up my self esteem!

He'd always tell me how 'fabulous I looked.' What I needed to do is put that on tape and play it back every time I am having a down day! Funny thing, those times he gushed I was feeling my worst and probably did absolutely nothing to myself! What a friend!

When we would have just our quiet time alone, David would tell me how he thought about Mom every single day.

See, Mom worked in the Rectory office for many years as Father Gary's right arm while David was working there as well. David and Mom had many talks and became very close friends.

How blessed am I that their friendship transferred my way!

I've been singing my whole life but never joined the choir because of my work schedule. The choir practiced when I was at work.

I went to David on a few occasions when I needed to practice music for upcoming Hiram reunions ....but most importantly when I needed to practice the music I was singing at my niece's wedding.

It was then when David said 'you have to sing in the choir...' and the rest is history!

He was so accommodating to practice with me at my convenience so that I could stay up to speed and enabled me to not only be in the choir but act as cantor.

I can never repay David for all he's done for me over the years...his friendship is absolutely priceless.

I thank God every day for David and only hope that our friendship will continue growing and stay strong!

Good Luck, David!