beWARM

I have loved and admired my friend Bonnie since we first met one year ago – but those feelings increased dramatically as of yesterday.

Prior to that, I knew her as a cheerful and engaging woman with a lovely voice who has had a long and interesting life as a singer with her husband, Bill. The fact that she is legally blind has not hindered her zest for life; she and Bill, who is also visually handicapped, have traveled extensively over the years, performing at various venues.

(I love the fact that, in his early years as a performer, Lyle Lovett opened for them!)

Our mission trips have  exposed me to many people who cannot see  – but being friends with someone who is blind is another experience altogether.

Watching Bonnie has given me new awareness about what it requires to live without visual help.

And… she is inspiring.

The first realization of her tenacity occurred when, as a member of our church Chorale, I saw how hard she had to work at learning the music.  While we have the ability to easily scan words, and are able to interpret a page of both words and music, Bonnie first has to hear the words and then Braille them on paper.

Then, she has to memorize the music, taking into account the length of the notes, the rests in between, and the melody line.  Bonnie has tirelessly worked at this, and is a valued (and dearly loved!) member of the Chorale, along with her guide dog, Izzie (who is also much-loved).

I  knew little about Bonnie’s childhood – until she sang a song she wrote during our church service. My eyes fill with tears once again at the memory.

Her lyrics tell of how she and her brothers, at an early age. were taken from her illness stricken parents and lived for a time with her aunt and uncle, who had 8 children of their own and little money, but an abundance of love. Bonnie describes this largesse in the song’s title, A Heart As Big As Texas.

The message behind the song  – her love and appreciation for them – is deeply, profoundly touching.

And the fact that her life with Bill now has given her “all she ever needs” is a testament to her amazing spirit.

Thank you for your music, Bonnie – and for the way in which you see the world…

…through your beautiful heart.

For we live by believing and not by seeing.  2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)

To hear Bonnie’s song, click the arrow below:

To get to know Bill and Bonnie and their music, click here.