My father’s parents were both from Kansas Swedish immigrant families who I was very close to. They were wonderful people, very responsible, accepting and generous. So I guess I am Lutheran. But my grandmother had a problem with the Catholic Church- mostly that they thought you could do horrible things, confess them and then they were okay. And of course there was that Reformation thing.
Later when I lived in South Louisiana for many years I saw that my Catholic friends seemed to have deep passion for their faith, beautiful churches, had more colorful personalities, liked good food and drink, and were lots of fun.
My question is- do you think my grandmother was wrong and it’s okay for Lutherans to like Catholics?
Saw your show in Scranton, PA a couple nights ago. I marvel that you are able to keep your band of talent together, and the performance was as good as it gets. But, let's be real. We're in our 80's. We can pretend that we will live another 10-20 years, but my perusal of the obits suggests that it ain't gonna happen. But kudos for keeping on.
Just wanted to mention that I'm a member of the Mormon diaspora here in PA (lapsed), so I was pleased when you asked us to pretend we were the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As a kid growing up in Utah, listening to the choir, with Eugene Ormandy at the organ, was a part of our Sunday morning ritual. I've since heard from friends who know things about music that Eugene Ormandy at the organ sounded like he was playing with mittens on. But it was not for the faithful to be critical.
Thanks for your life's work. You are an original. You've been articulating my outlook on life for decades. We've met 4 or 5 times over the years at various venues. I'm glad we of the same cohort.
I just read one of your responses to an email you received. In the response, you wrote, " . . . meeting friendly strangers is very educational."
For years, I've been trying to put into words why I enjoy my work as a certified nursing assistant at the hospital. Your words perfectly sum up my feelings!
GK
My father’s parents were both from Kansas Swedish immigrant families who I was very close to. They were wonderful people, very responsible, accepting and generous. So I guess I am Lutheran. But my grandmother had a problem with the Catholic Church- mostly that they thought you could do horrible things, confess them and then they were okay. And of course there was that Reformation thing.
Later when I lived in South Louisiana for many years I saw that my Catholic friends seemed to have deep passion for their faith, beautiful churches, had more colorful personalities, liked good food and drink, and were lots of fun.
My question is- do you think my grandmother was wrong and it’s okay for Lutherans to like Catholics?
Thanks,
Chuck Sanders
Hello Garrison,
I’m thinking you might like this poem also.
Jerilyn Pelikan
Half Moon Bay, CA
On Memorial Day
after watching Porcelain War
I think of every human
who has given their life
to fight not for war
but for peace. I think
of every mother and father
and son and daughter,
every baker and painter
and teacher and builder
who has learned to use
a weapon to save
the people and places
they love. I think of love—
how the Ukrainian woman
said tonight she had
never been more aware
of how good humans can be—
and how she’s learned this
midst bombs and blood
and broken trust and shattered
glass. I think of how peace
is a choice we make with
every smallest action we take.
I think of the pen in my own hand.
What will I do with it?
—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
Saw your show in Scranton, PA a couple nights ago. I marvel that you are able to keep your band of talent together, and the performance was as good as it gets. But, let's be real. We're in our 80's. We can pretend that we will live another 10-20 years, but my perusal of the obits suggests that it ain't gonna happen. But kudos for keeping on.
Just wanted to mention that I'm a member of the Mormon diaspora here in PA (lapsed), so I was pleased when you asked us to pretend we were the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As a kid growing up in Utah, listening to the choir, with Eugene Ormandy at the organ, was a part of our Sunday morning ritual. I've since heard from friends who know things about music that Eugene Ormandy at the organ sounded like he was playing with mittens on. But it was not for the faithful to be critical.
Thanks for your life's work. You are an original. You've been articulating my outlook on life for decades. We've met 4 or 5 times over the years at various venues. I'm glad we of the same cohort.
Merlyn Clarke, Stroudsburg, PA
I just read one of your responses to an email you received. In the response, you wrote, " . . . meeting friendly strangers is very educational."
For years, I've been trying to put into words why I enjoy my work as a certified nursing assistant at the hospital. Your words perfectly sum up my feelings!
Bill Lemery, I see what you did there. Very, very witty! Tx.