Cub Scout Caroling

Last night for Cub Scout pack meeting we went caroling. We do this every year, and I have to admit that I don't look forward to it. Add to that the fact that it was cold last night, and I was tired and didn't even want to leave the house. Frankly, my son doesn't like to sing, and he isn't that thrilled with Scouts, and he didn't want to leave the house either. But I'm really glad we did.

The first place we went was to the house of a woman from church who lives alone. I think she is widowed, and all of her children are grown and living in other cities. She is a temple worker, and spends much of her time giving service there. She also has spent countless hours helping the homeless in Oakland. One interesting thing about her is that she has a tracheostomy. She has to put her finger over the hole in her neck in order to talk. She is a charming elderly lady, and very down to Earth.

We didn't call ahead to let her know we were coming. She was surprised when she opened the door, but you could tell that she was thouroughly enjoying watching the children sing. When we finished our last song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", she thanked us and then got a little emotional and said, "You know, I was just looking at photos of my children when they were young. I was thinking back to Christmas when they were little. I love my family, and I miss them, and I miss my husband. I was thinking about my boys, and looking at their pictures, and just then you came to my door." I don't know if the children really understood what their singing meant to her, but it was touching for all of us adults.