TCATS #311 - Sick

Friday morning, I woke up with a scratchy throat.

The first thought I had (thinking the throat issue would lead to a cold) was "How am I going to sing with my son for our family talent show this coming Monday?"
The second thought I had was "What am I going to do about Sunday morning with the Tabernacle Choir? Should I go and observe the broadcast, staying away from people? Should I go and try and sing if I felt up to it? (sometimes God does miraculous things for singers who are supposed to sing) Or should I just stay home."
My third thought, thinking more long-term, was "What about Christmas and my daughter's wedding next week!"

For my first thought, I pinned down my son after he got home from school and told him we needed to record the song--right then and there. That way, if I really was getting a cold and my voice was shot on Monday, we'd still have something to share at the talent show. Thankfully our recording turned out pretty well ("When Your Feet Don't Touch the Ground", from the musical FINDING NEVERLAND), despite my tendency to get emotional--which I always do when I hear or sing that song.

For my second thought, as Saturday night came and I was out with my wife doing a little shopping, the decision became clear given the state of my nose and my voice: I'd need to stay home.

I texted my carpool and a few others and gave them the news. 
Reply texts came back:
"I'll be praying for you!"
"Bummer Ryan! Feel better soon."
"I'll sing extra for you tomorrow."

Then I went to bed hoping a miracle would occur overnight.

Well, that didn't happen. If anything, the cold was worse (the only good part about it being worse was that it validated my decision to stay home). So, after my family left for church, I turned on Music & the Spoken Word and enjoyed the last Christmas episode of the year, bundled up on the couch wishing I was at the Conference Center feeling healthy and singing. But, it WAS sort of nice to be on the couch, and it was definitely fun to feel the Christmas spirit while seeing my fellow choir friends giving their best. 

As for my third thought... well, the jury is still out.  
I'll keep my faith and hope high.

Until next time, God be with you.

PS: tune in next week for some very interesting year-end choir statistics!