October 4th

Today has been a crazy day. My parents called me and let me know as I was getting ready this morning that my dear grandmother, Helen Farr Broadbent, had passed away. I adored my grandmother, and she adored music. Tonight I don't want to say anything--just share a hymn that always makes me think of her. She completely embodied the spirit of this hymn:

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words

Let us oft speak kind words to each other

At home or where'er we may be;

Like the warblings of birds on the heater,

The tones will be welcome and free.

They'll gladden the heart that's repining,

Give courage and hope from above,

And where the dark clouds hide the shining,

Let in the bright sunlight of love.

Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live

And sunshine forever impart.

Let us oft speak kind words to each other;

Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.

Like the sunbeams of morn on the mountains,

The soul they awake to good cheer;

Like the murmur of cool, pleasant fountains,

They fall in sweet cadences near.

Let's oft, then, in kindly toned voices,

Our mutual friendship renew,

Till heart meets with heart and rejoices

In friendship that ever is true

Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live

And sunshine forever impart.

Let us oft speak kind words to each other;

Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.

I love you, Grandmum. I hope I can be more like you as I grow up.