Yes, we would already be celebrating her birthday even though it is not until Sunday this year. Invariably, there was an Old Songs Concert on or near her birthday. She would proudly tell the performers that this was her birthday concert.
She would frequently score an album from whomever the performer was, too. She knew her parents were a soft touch. She loved listening to music, and she liked to sing.
What she could not do is make the sounds coming out of her throat match any but three notes of any given song. That was her range—three notes. But she was happy singing those three notes as loudly as she could.
I would try not to cringe. Hey, I’m not perfect. The fact that I nor anyone else could teach her to match the pitch of the note being sung, rankled. I was raised in a family of musicians. I’m friends with many musicians. How could we individually and collectively fail so spectacularly?
But Sheila loved music, she loved to sing, and I learned to live with this reality. So, no matter how you sing, lift your voices on April 28th and sing a chorus of Happy Birthday to Sheila.
She just might hear us if we all join together.
And if you are tired of the traditional tune…
Sheila loved this version by John McCutcheon and friends.
Happy Birthday, Sheila! You are much loved!