February 17, 2009

We're looking forward to seeing many of you next week! We're busy getting ready for the concert. Mom finished her last round of chemo for now but couldn't help but pick up the violin to demonstrate to grand daughter, Sarah Shoemaker, how to play with vibrato!

February 2, 2009

Speaking Of Upcoming Concert.....

Yes, mark your calendars!!

A Musical Tribute To Rosalind:
Compositions by Rosalind M. Luke Crosby

Saturday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m.
at the Cameron Park LDS Church Bldg.
3431 Hacienda Rd., Cameron Park, CA 95682
Featured Artists:
Valley Choral and Orchestra, directed by Paul Allen
Cherie Crosby Shoemaker, soprano
Carla Rae Cook, mezzo soprano
Jeri Clinger, soprano Michelle Jones, soprano
Cameron Doyle, baritone
Richard Clinger, piano
Chambers String Quartet
Marcia Williams-Miller, flute
Cd's of concert will be available for $10
All profit will go towards a Music Scholarship Fund
We hope to have you all there!!!

We Gave Up Trying To Keep Up With Mom A Long Time Ago!

Mom had her second blood transfussion Saturday, 1/31. We've all felt the seriousness of mom's situation, but even dad had to laugh when he talked on the phone about mom. They raced down the hill to squeeze in an early spot at Kaiser where mom spent 3 hours getting her transfussion but immediately after that had to race back home because she had too much to do. She spent the rest of the day talking on the phone to loved ones and extracting orchestral parts to give to Katrina Martin for next Sunday's orchestra rehearsal which will be at mom and dad's home so mom can make changes if needed. Mom also had to make some small changes to various compositions to get ready for the up coming concert. Of course, this is what we love about mom. Life is always full of purpose and meaning.

Sunday, mom loved reading chapters from the "Teachings of Presidents of the Church Joseph Smith" and her scriptures. Mom marvels at the amazing man and prophet that Joseph Smith was. He had so little formal education yet the wisdom and revelation that came from him is a true marvel. His writings are a joy for her to read and truly inspire her. She bore her personal testimony to me that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. The rest of the day she continued to extract orchestral parts, listened to me and Stan Zenk rehearse several of her pieces, made comments and corrections, took calls, and worked, worked, worked. She said she feels worse when she does nothing. Working and staying in contact with others keeps her mind off herself.

Mom isn't the only amazing one. Dad is constantly going, going too. Sunday evening while I was at their home, dad worked in the office, enjoyed a call from his brother George, shared the latest joke from Uncle George (have him tell you!!), listened to me sing mom's composition "Fern Hill" (words from dad's favorite poet, Dylan Thomas) as he sat on the couch holding mom's hand wiping tears from his eyes. Of course, the evening wouldn't of been complete without dad going into his study to pull out a book of poetry by Dylan Thomas and read a couple of his other favorites to Stan. Dad has a beautiful voice but he doesn't have to sing a note to make music. Dad truly has a gift for reading poetry. Sometime, take the opportunity to have him read or recite one of his favorites. You will not be disappointed.

This is the life we grew up with as children. Grand Central Station is still open for business at the Crosby home!

Love, Cherie