A Mountain Top Experience

By David Neilson

Let me tell you about a Mountain Top experience that sustains me to this day. It was

not a Christian event although there were some Christians involved. It was not high

on a hill. In many ways it may seem an ordinary compassionate response to a

harrowing time.

On the 17th August 2024 my wife Lorna was in the Alexandra Unit and we were

anticipating her imminent death. It was a hard time and we were both tired. On this

sunny summer day the windows of the room were flung wide, the door to the ward propped

open and the doors round the unit were also opened. A group from the Cairn Chorus

came to the hospital, a motley crew of folk with all types of spiritual beliefs and

lifestyles. They came to support their friends, to say goodbye to a loved one, to give

a gift they knew would be a blessing. They sang songs of lament, joyful optimism,

mourning and finally the Irish blessing to set our path before us and comfort our

journey through the valley of shadows.

In that time we became aware of the ongoing presence of God with us, Emmanuel.

And yes we could lament, yes we could rejoice, yes we could mourn and in it all the path

before us would be accomplished with the ongoing presence of the Lord with us, and a homecoming be the result.

Lorna died on the morning of the 23rd of August just 6 days later. The sense that the

journey had been lived to the right end was underpinned by the words and music in

the gift given by our friends. That experience sustains me even now as I navigate

this strange and uncharted land called grief. Look for the Mountain Tops in the

ordinary lives we lead and you will find them and they will sustain you as you seek to

follow the one who is teacher, mentor and glorious saviour.

Why I Joined the Choir

A Personal Reflection on Embracing Music and Community

Joining the choir was the last thing I thought I needed or wanted to do. I’ve always

believed that I can’t sing after being told so by my Dad, an old cat and myself. I’ve

rarely sung in front of anyone, unless you include pets to whom I constantly sing

made up songs! But I sing a lot – in the car, in the shower, around the house. I

always loved to make music and was in recorder groups in school and played the

clarinet in the school orchestra. I can still remember that wonderful feeling of playing

together, especially when we were all playing well!

My sister had been trying hard to persuade me to join the choir for two and a half

years. I finally decided to attend an open day, a decision that grew from a blend of

curiosity, love for music, and a desire to connect with others. I had attended many

concerts that my sister had performed in with the choir. I thoroughly enjoyed the

variety of songs and appreciated how good the choir sounded. I got such a sense of

togetherness and enthusiasm from watching and listening to them. I could sense that

feeling of joy from them that comes with making beautiful music together. And in my

heart, I wanted that.

So I went to the open day, very nervously. And surprised myself by having a very

enjoyable time! I sang. Out loud. With people around me. Something I honestly

believed I would never do. I’m not saying I hit every note. But it was fun, even though

I was way out of my comfort zone!

The search for community was a large part of my decision to join the choir. Choirs

are known for their sense of camaraderie and togetherness. I hoped to meet people

who could become friends. Seeing my sister surrounded by people who obviously

liked and respected each other and enjoyed being together, was a huge draw for me.

I had left a relationship and an adopted country a couple of years before this and

needed to start building relationships again, a little community of people with similar

interests. The choir has become like a family to my sister; once again, I wanted that

too. And the choir members did not disappoint on the open day; they were

welcoming, friendly, helpful and kind. I felt accepted and relaxed, which I’m sure

contributed greatly to me having the confidence to sing out loud!

Now don’t get me wrong – I am nowhere near the point of singing loud enough for

everyone to hear. And I worry about remembering the songs by heart, without song

sheets or music. And there’s no way I’m standing in the front row for my first concert!

But I am excited. I pushed myself (with a little help from my sister) to do something I

thought I’d never do. I have rehearsals and concerts to look forward to now as well

as getting to know new people.

It’s said that singing has numerous benefits for mental and physical health. It relieves

stress, improves mood, and fosters mindfulness. By joining the choir, I’m hoping for

all of this, and the open day was definitely a wonderful start. I got home on a high

that day, so happy that it had been more than I expected. And did I mention that the

food provided by the members was top-notch?!

So here I am, a brand new choir member, looking forward to making music and

entertaining others who I hope get as much enjoyment from listening to us as I used

to get as an audience member. I am certain my decision to join the choir will result in

many enjoyable, rewarding and memorable moments. I can’t wait to start making

music with new friends!