By Rocky Paterra

Thanksgiving is a time of celebrating the spirt of togetherness that is woven inside of us all.

That being said, I am thankful that Jen has decided to leave our community choir.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The turkey is delicious and the pumpkin pie is mouth-watering, but most importantly, it is an annual reminder that despite all of our differences, however intricate they may be, we must remember that we are traversing this life together as one.

However, I’m so happy that I’ll never have to hear Jen’s voice again. She always brought the yummiest homemade cookies to rehearsal, but she was never not flat. She was the kindest soul that you’ll ever meet, but I dreaded every day that I saw her because I knew that subsequently I would have to listen to her voice.

On this day of thanks, it is easy to forget how connected we all are as one human race. We lift each other up, we elevate each other, we support each other’s aspirations with unwavering love and patience. Thanksgiving is an unquestionably poignant reminder of these blessings.

Jen was also always late to rehearsal. She was a beacon of positivity for the group and always knew how to lift our spirits, but also, you can’t be a bad singer and also be late to things. The only good part about it was that I had six extra minutes of not having to hear her flat tone and inconsistent vibrato. I guess another good part was that whenever she arrived late, she would bring tea and throat coat for the entire group. 

She’s truly the best. But I am so thankful that she has decided to focus more time on her bracelet-making.

So this Thanksgiving, we must celebrate each other’s triumphs, and we must share in each other’s faults. And most importantly, this holiday is a time to remember that we must never give up on humanity.

Jen was a true friend inside and out of the rehearsal room. But she has left the choir, and I am almost positive that I am glad about it. She made us bracelets on her last day because she is a glimmering light of a human, and honestly, her bracelets are great.

I am thankful for Jen and for Jen’s bracelets. I am also thankful for how cohesive our community choir now sounds. Even the altos agree.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck, Jen!!

Kind regards,

Andy, a tenor