My wife Blythe and I are on our annual winter sojourn to Williamsburg, Virginia. It has become a tradition for us, allowing us to re-acquaint ourselves with history while escaping the merciless drumbeat of the present. But, this is the first time we are experiencing the holidays since the death of my mom in September, and so emotions are different–more intense–than they have been. Five years ago, my parents joined us here, on what would become their final trip together before their deaths.

Last evening, Blythe and I attended a concert of traditional Christmas songs by local performer Timothy Seaman, accompanied by 18th century instruments–flutes, dulcimers and psalteries. Five years ago, when my dad was not feeling well after a busy day, my mom and I had attended a similar concert–just the two of us, the only time in my adult life that just my mother and I had “gone out” alone together. Hennage Auditorium, where the concert took place, held a special, almost sacred, place in my heart because of the time I spent there with my mom.
The thread running through last night’s concert was a celebration of Virginia evergreens and included audience participation. The setting was conducive to forgetting about today’s headlines filled with impeachment updates and the latest developments at the NATO meeting in London. But, as we sang “O Tannenbaum,” “The Holly and the Ivy” and other Christmas classics, emotions tacked just below the surface.
Throughout my career, I’ve performed scores of funerals and counseled hundreds of bereaved to be aware that feelings of grief might surface at any time, so I was not surprised when memories tugged at me during this special moment. Then, as we were invited to join in with “Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming,” we could hear a man in the audience exuberantly singing, slightly off-key and a beat behind the rest. Whisps of nostalgia became a torrent of emotion.
My dad always sang that way in church–full-throated, but not quite on key or in time. He forever embarrassed his grandchildren, but members of his small congregation loved it. He always said that God didn’t care about his technique and clearly what he lacked in skill he made up for in passion.

Like ghosts of Christmas past, my parents were both with me, as real as if they had purchased their own tickets for the concert. But, their presence was not Scrooge-like, filled with remorse or foreboding. Rather, their spirit offered yet another gentle reminder of how blessed I have been to have had two parents who loved me unconditionally and whose spirit continues to fill me with moments of comfort and joy, even though they are no longer physically present.
Oh Bob, this is a beautiful tribute to your parents. Wishing you and Blythe much love this, and every, season. xo
So touching Dad and beautiful. So grateful we do still have their presence. It will live with me forever
I miss Grandpa’s singing in church, and I miss seeing Grandma’s comments on your blog. I’m so glad you had that special time with them 5 years ago and that you are having a special time now with Blythe. They are SO missed, but they left behind an incredible legacy of love. I know they are both there with you guys on your trip.
Once, talking about a loved one who had passed, Steve’s stepchild, Dana said, “They’re not gone.. they can’t be gone, because I remember them!” May the season’s quiet peace be a comfort to you, Bob.
Thank you, Bob. Both of my parents are gone too. Your words rang so true and touched my heart. I’d rather spend this time in the presence of their gentle spirits than the frenetic holiday madness imposed upon us. Advent is actually a lovely time for quiet remembering.
Every time I hear “How Great Thou Art” all I do is think of Papa belting it so loud and proud in church. Great memories !
Bob, this is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us. Much love to you and Blythe!