Saturday, April 11, 2009

A thankful heart

Tonight Clyde and I went to a concert by all the BYU choirs and the Philharmonic orchestra. It was filmed for later public television dates. The theme was, "A Pilgrim's Journey Home" to signify we are all pilgrims on the same journey through life and to our heavenly home. It was wonderful and moving. I loved it when the choirs filled up the sides of the DeJong concert hall and sang to us in surround sound - there was not room on the stage for everyone with the philharmonic too. One exciting moment came when we realized that Mack Wilberg of Tabernacle Choir fame was sitting two rows in front of us, just a few seats too far away to talk to him. I have wanted to tell him many times how much his music has touched me and enriched my life. He has a gift for arranging and on many many Sundays and other days I feel so uplifted and full of the spirit when I listen to the Tab choir. Even tonight I kind of wished I could go thank him, but we went out different doors on each side of the hall and I am sure he went to congratulate the BYU conductors. So a while later, after we had waited for Linda D. to figure out if Mikey needed a ride, we left the HFAC. Just as we approached the sidewalk by the ASB, there was Mack Wilberg! I didn't hesitate a second before I greeted him like an old friend and shook his hand and told him how MUCH I love his music and how it has enriched my life. We talked about how we were sad when he left BYU, but that now we get to hear much more of his music now that he is with the Choir. He was very gracious and humble and thankful for my thoughts. We waved goodbye as if we might see each other again as we went to our cars. It was a sweet moment in a very wonderful night.