It's been a fantastic year for me and my family. My husband retired after working for 38 years. My oldest daughter got her JD, passed the California bar exam, and started working at a law firm in Palo Alto. My second daughter has worked for over a year in downtown Los Altos, and my youngest son finished college and moved back home in December. We also just adopted a stray doodle puppy, making this a three-dog household. I went on a European Choir Tour with the San Jose Symphonic Choir this summer. We visited Withering Abbey, Austria, one of the most ornate and stunning churches. As a Catholic, it was a very special experience to sit in the choir stalls singing at a Sunday Mass. I started playing piano when I was 4 years old and took my first voice lesson when I was 14.
Later, I came to the US and got my undergraduate and master’s degrees in music education. To me, music is not only about notes and rhythm. It is an expression, conversation, and prayer. I joined the choir at St. Simon after my children went to college. Since I retired from being their designated driver, I have had time to do things I enjoy! I now sing at St. Joseph of Cupertino whenever I can. Serving in the music ministry and combining my profession with my faith are blessings. Besides teaching piano and directing a children’s choir, I enjoy gardening, crafting, traveling, and hanging out with friends. I volunteered to help with the Christmas concert to cap off the year. With every performer’s effort and dedication, it was a success! Stepping into the position of music coordinator at this parish, I have met many wonderful parishioners who have offered their support and talent. I have no words to express my gratitude. All I can think of is, “Glory be to him whose power, working in us.