With eons of sermons stretching out before me, life looked grim. Β Occasionally, there was a bright spot. Β Sometimes the preacher told a joke. Β I truly enjoyed church music, especially if it was something lively, like βOnward Christian Soldiersβ on the hymn list. Β I sung along enthusically, though lots of the words didβt make sense. Β For the life of me, I couldnβt fathom why we sang about laundry, as in βBringing in the Sheets (Sheaves).β There was also a Christmas carol about laundry. Β “While shepherds washed their socks by night (watched their flocks by night.) Β I thought it odd, but so much adults did seemed odd.
One special Sunday, God had a startling surprise in store for me. Β Mrs. Simmons, the pianist, brought her brother Eddie, a handsome young man, along to play the organ. Β His boogie-woogie style hymns were a vast improvement over sedate hymns. Β I could see some of the old ladies exchanging shocked looks, but Β I was entranced. Β I was practically bouncing in the pew when suddenly he dropped to the floor in a seizure. Β Mrs. Simmons shrieked and rushed to his side. Β He rallied and they trooped out, along with the rest of her family. Β I was so jealous. Β The preacher made an anemic attempt to salvage the service, but his flock was clearly anxious to get out and enjoy a good gossip. Β I genuinely enjoyed church that day.