Sunday, July 28, 2019

The wonder of it all

Last evening was very special; one of those times that makes you stop and feel the richness and joy of life.

When our dearest little granddaughter Hazel came home after 2 months and 3 days in the hospital where she had been born at a day under 29 weeks, I put up a video of Natalie Merchant's "Wonder" in honor of her. (Hazel's birth story is here if you are a new reader.) I thought the words perfectly described this little wonder who had lived through such a precarious beginning.

When I heard Natalie Merchant was coming to our small town theatre, I bought tickets 4 minutes after they went on sale for Tom, Margaret, Hazel, and I! The tickets sold out in 2 hours.


Last night was the show, and as Hazel didn't last too long sitting in the seat, we all went outdoors and listened. It was the most perfect summer evening you can imagine. The place is not air-conditioned, but Natalie asked if the doors could be open, so we got to hear everything. The stage was just inside, and people occasionally walked in and watched. There was one other little girl there and she and Hazel became fast friends and had a wonderful time. They even picked petunias out of a pot and put them on the stage for Natalie. Most of the time they played in the outdoor eating area, but when I heard "Wonder" begin, I asked Hazel to come in with me and she did. Margaret told her this song means a lot to Nana. Well, you know I was crying most of the way through it. One of life's perfect, perfect moments. So thankful, so lucky, and that prayer of thankfulness is never out of my mind and heart.

And another very special thing is that in 1998, we traveled to Saratoga Springs, New York to Lilith Fair, and Natalie was one of the performers!

Margaret took a selfie of all of us before the show began.


And here is the official video of Natalie singing the song.

17 comments:

  1. What a wonderful time for all of you, Nan! Loved this and so glad you guys got to go. I love the song too. Great picture of you four. You look so happy! Big hugs to each from me.

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  2. I do like Natalie M's music. Sounds like a fun night.

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    1. I don't know a lot of it, but I sure do love this song.

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  3. It is so good to have such perfect moments in life, isn't it, where you do not want to be anywhere else, with anyone else or do anything else.
    Wonderful that you were able to share this, the the four of you, and thank you for sharing it with us via your blog!

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    1. Yes, it is! And to recognize them when they come!

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  4. I love Natalie Merchant's music and this song is just perfect. Hazel is certainly making her way!

    Wonderful picture of the four of you, too! Lovely smiles. xo

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    1. I put this video up seven years ago, though now it has disappeared. You commented then too, faithful friend!

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  5. That's a wonderful (new to me) song, so thanks for sharing it and the story that goes along with it. I am happy to see that Hazel is doing so well. I have a nephew who was born in March at well under two pounds, and he just went home from the hospital two weeks ago - now weighs in at six pounds and is doing well.

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  6. Lovely memories from the past and making a wonderful memory in the present. Your grandchildren are all so precious!

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  7. Nan,
    I too have a granddaughter that had a precarious beginning. She is 10 now and although she has her struggles she remains my hero (along with my daughter her mother). Thank you for this beautiful tribute. It serves to remind me of my granddaughters special gifts she gives us everyday. That was the most perfect piece of writing. Thank you.
    Kathy D

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  8. I'd love to have seen her in person! I have Leave Your Sleep/Leave Your Supper in which Merchant set poems to music. It is awesome. The selection of poems are so much fun. Hazel would love Bleezer's Ice Cream by Jack Perlutsky. The King of China's Daughter is on Youtube https://youtu.be/VId1DffyvlU and here https://youtu.be/vXVCf5VTHrw is a Ted Talk in which she sings some of the poems she chose for the album.

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  9. I was not familiar with Merchant but enjoyed her video. This will mean so much to Hazel someday. The night there sounded lovely.

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