We stopped to explore a mountain stream leading from a glacier…beautiful!

I've just been sitting here paging through some old pictures and letters, and I mean old. Some are pictures of my father as a baby (in the 1920's) with his mom and dad. Some are letters written by my mother and grandfather…I laughed and cried as I read the words of my mom, written March 4, 1943, addressed to my dad, shortly after she went on a blind date with him. My mom was engaged at the time,  but she writes, "he's told me to go out and enjoy myself as long as I don't get to like anyone too much. In which case I don't think he'd approve of you, but that's a mere technicality." Ha! That is priceless! My mom had realized and confesses to my dad, "Boiled down it means, I like you more than I dare admit. I hope you will want to see me again, and lets forget my ring, huh?" Wow! She also spelled my dad's last name the best she could ("Danderin", actually supposed to be spelled Dandurand), and she adds in a p.s. "If your last name is spelled wrong, it's for the simple reason that no one ever told me how it was supposed to be spelled." How amazing to read this copy of her letter in her own handwriting…

Another letter I read this day with tears in my eyes is from a father to his young Navy son, in his scratched penmenship, written so his son would not be without mail, "if it's in my power to do so." My grandfather, whom I never knew, wrote this letter, hoping his son (my dad) would get leave from the Navy, and  that this letter would arrive in Memphis TN, where he was stationed, about the same time his son had arrived home for a visit. That is precisely what happened. This letter, which was written on Nov. 1st, 1943, was most likely the last letter my dad received from his dad. My father arrived home to enjoy Thanksgiving with "his girl's" (my mom) family. My dad's mom and dad were invited to dinner, as well. After dinner, my grandfather collapsed in their living room. He died of a heart attack at the age of 51.  My father found the letter back where he was stationed in Memphis when he returned after the funeral.

Reading these mementos from my family's history, peering at the fading photograph, and trying to imagine the times in which they lived the prime of their lives gives me an aching heart…it is Mother's Day, 2011, and these were my parents and grandparents that I deeply miss, as all have passed away. But I am thankful to still have these precious glimpses into who they were…their love, their loneliness, their humor, and their pain….the stuff life is made of, and some day my children and grandchildren will see a picture, hear a song or read a blog entry I've written, and catch a further glimpse into the person their mom or grandma was…Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, March 12, 8-10 p.m.

Rendevous Caffe Espresso

7766 Highland Rd

Waterford, MI 48327

 

Laura McCandliss, Sarah Dalton, and Theresa Dalton sing

No cover charge, but come hungry and thirsty and ready to support a unique local venue

 

What a cute Granddaughter we have ! ! !

A bit of an update:

The Church of the Holy Redeemer, 3050 Grant Road, Rochester Hills MI 48309 (248-852-40810) has added a  Vespers Eucharist Service, SATURDAYS at 5 p.m.

(1st one is Sept. 18th, 2010) I'll be helping out on an ongoing basis with the music at these services, and we'd love to see you there!

October events: 

Benefit Concert

featuring Theresa Dalton and Sarah Dalton

 

With One Voice for Darfur

featuring Sarah Dalton, Carolyn Dalton, Theresa Dalton, Laura McCandliss, LaKeitha Perry

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

7-9:30 p.m.

Ecclesia Christian Ministries
5410 Milford Street
DETROIT, MI 48210-1224

Free will offering will be received to benefit Darfur Christian Mission

 

Once again, Sarah Dalton (my beautiful, talented daughter) and I will be sharing our share of songs to whoever comes by! Where? Blessed Hope Church 1706 Fort Street Lincoln Park, MI  48146.  When? Saturday, July 3rd, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.  Cost? Free, but donations gratefully recieved for Blessed Hope.  What? Original songs, covers, etc….Can't wait to see you all!

Join me for an evening of song

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

7-9:30 p.m

"Saturday Nights Live" Series
1706 Fort Street Lincoln Park, MI  48146

Click Here for Postcards

April 17 Theresa Postcards

 

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Philippians 2:5-8

Looking forward to appearing with my daughter, Sarah Dalton, Saturday, January 30th, 2010, at Church of the Holy Redeemer, 3050 Grant St., Rochester Hills MI 48309. We'll be performing our own sets, and also joining together for some songs…should be fun! Hope you can join us that evening, 7-9 p.m.

Benefit Concert

in Lapeer with

singer/songwriter 

Theresa Dalton

 

 

and musical duo

Evan & Molly

 

 

 

Friday Night

November 6th at 7:30 p.m.

doors open at 7— free admission

(see list below of local needs)

An Evening of

Uplifting Acoustic Music at

1009 N. Saginaw St.

Lapeer, MI 48446

 

Presented by St. Matthew’s

Anglican Church in support of:

 

The Refuge Homeless Shelter and

 

Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ)

 

Please bring much needed donations of
new gloves, hats, socks, (adult & child sizes)

disposable diapers (sizes 4, 5, & 6)

(a freewill offering will be received)

 

St. Matthew’s phone: 810-667-8910

 

 

To Print Poster Click Here:

lapeer-concert-poster

To Print Postcards Click Here:

lapeer-postcards

 

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