Even though Ellie was gifted with superhero vocal
chords and a voice that can make doves cry, she still is a bit of a closet
singer. At holidays and family gatherings we are always pestering her to
perform, but usually she conveniently hides behind something (she's good at
that) or comes up with an excuse. The lucky few who have heard Ellie sing her
heart out are those that quietly walk in the door unannounced while she is
rocking out to Adele, or the ones who press their ear against her bedroom door
while she is humming and playing her piano. When I catch Ellie singing in the
shower, sometimes I feel like pulling up a lawn chair outside the bathroom door
and holding my lighter high in the air to get that "concert
experience". ( I really don't own a lighter by the way--I meant cell
phone, or key chain light).
Considering the few and rare occasions that I get
to hear Ellie sing, I felt especially honored to hear her perform yesterday at
a state-wide choir invitational with her high school concert choir, the
Meistersingers. They sounded fabulous! I didn't get to stay for it all,
but let me tell you...after hearing the first choir sing and then hearing the
Meistersingers follow...it was like comparing a grade school concert with
Sister Mary Clarence's choir busting out "Joyful, Joyful" in the
final scene of Sister Act 2. I felt so proud watching little Ellie do
what she loves so much.
The truth is, Ellie has always loved singing. She has since she
was a sweet, fluffy-haired baby girl.
I have high hopes that Ellie's confidence will continue to grow along with her talent, and that she will use her awesome gift of song to bless others throughout her life. Sing on, Eli Whitney, sing on.
-A.W.
