good night, irene.....

ok, so i was saddened yesterday to read about the death of a longtime member of my church, irene humelsine.....i did not know her other than to speak to her.....but what i knew and heard of her was what counted.....she played piano...and once on a weekend visit to joseph-beth she and our church pianist were playing duets as a backdrop to holiday bookbuying...their version of 'in the deep midwinter' was soulful and satisfying......but what i will remember most about this talented woman was her speaking voice.....she read scripture with more feeling and power than many recite shakespeare......her oratory was memorable.......she was often asked to read on christmas eve......and i can think of no one who could step up to the podium like irene......