A couple of weeks ago, I was afforded the opportunity to be an assistant at Abbie Takes Pictures (in St. Louis, MO).  I was excited to work with the award-winning photographer, Abbie Rudolph.  She shot a wedding while I was there.  After finishing some preliminary work, I sat down to listen to the soloist.  She was rehearsing in the sanctuary with her accompanist.  By the tremor of her notes, she was letting her nerves get the best of her.  I listened to her tone and could tell that she was a good singer.  I waited until the accompanist left to approach her.

With a smile, I said, “Hello.  My name is Herbie.  What’s yours?”  She said, “My name is Ellen.  Nice to meet you.”  Then, I said, ”I just wanted to let you know that you sound great, and also, just relax.”  Her face illuminated, as she knew that I had been attentively listening to her sing.  “Yeah, this is my first wedding.  I’ve sang in choir for the past four years in high school,” she said.  I listened as she spoke, nodding kindly.  “Like I said, you sound great but you just need to breathe.  That’s it.”

Just then, the accompanist returned.  I introduced myself to her as well, finding out that she’s a retired music teacher.  We had a mutual respect for one another.  I gracefully bowed out of the conversation as they convened rehearsal.  My help was needed elsewhere, so I continued with the duties at hand.

During the wedding, my help wasn’t needed, so I was able to hear the young artist perform.  As Ellen sat down at the end of her first song, I looked over at her and gave her a “thumbs up.”  She saw me and smiled.  I continued to listen to her throughout the ceremony.  I could literally hear her confidence become stronger as she sang.  It was amazing to hear her voice settle.

At the end of the ceremony, I went up to her to congratulate her.  She immediately opened her arms for a hug.  I delightfully gave her a hug.  I said, ”You did a great job.  I could hear you settle down within the songs.  Great job.”  “Yeah, I just remembered what you told me.  Boy, am I glad you were here.”

I was glad to be there, too.  I just wanted to be there to support Ellen.  I didn’t care that we had just met, or that I barely knew her.  She needed support and I was there to help.  That’s all I cared about, honestly.  I love being able to help someone, when they need it the most.  There’s no greater feeling.

The only thing that saddens me is that I may never see her again.  She seemed to be a great person.  I have plenty of room for people like her in my life.

Until next time,

Love & Peace.

-Herbie

+1: If you’re interested in finding out more information on ATP, please click: www.abbietakespictures.com.