My sister Connie lived in a very private world, usually keeping people, even those closest to her, at a respectful distance, not because she didn’t love them, but rather because she felt that any problems she might be carrying should never weigh down those around her, and opening those locked doors meant releasing pain she did not want to share with others even if it signified receiving the regard and healing that those around her often wanted so much to give her. Part of this, of course, was based upon Connie’s fierce pride in her own independence, but part came also from her staunch personal resolution never to wound anyone with her own burdens.
The place where my sister found peace, beauty, and healing was in music. That is where the material world dissolved for her through seeing new harmonies and breathtaking melodies. Anyone who ever found the real Connie discovered her there, where musical invention came from her speaking to God and from God’s responses through Connie’s heart and down through her fingers at the keyboard.
My sister had a short temper and could, with little provocation, verbally julienne someone like a cat shredding window drapes. But, she also had a wonderful sense of humor, a generous heart, and a faith in God not often shaken, even by the enormous trials she faced.
I remember holding my sister in the little pink blanket used to bring her home from the hospital after her birth. I was seven years old. We became over time each other’s chief promoter and protector, and now that I will miss her, I am thankful for the fifty-eight years of memories we shared together. Thank God for Connie Lynn.
Shortly before she died, Connie gave me a copy of the poem “On Playing a Church Piano,” which she said expressed perfectly what she felt each time she sat at the keyboard in that place.
On Playing a Church Piano
It’s something about the darkness of the place, when I relax a moment to decide what makes this work so pleasing; is it the thrill of lights fixed on the tall bronze cross, or perhaps the colored figures in the glass? But then the stack of staves upon the stand cries out for study, and my fingers arch again and dance, though not gracefully at first — more like cautious children avoiding creaky boards. Yet hidden strings in the wood awake and sing –and the dark, cool room seems full. And then I realize: It is.
As a former school teacher, I find that as I age, I see behind me a panorama of those who are gone now, those whom I have loved and those who were A+ human beings among friends, former students, and family and who in life’s grand record book are now sadly absent. Though it has been five years since my sister’s death, I sometimes still have a fleeting urge to pick up the phone for a chat with Connie Lynn and to hear her laughter again. JB
Connie with our maternal grandparents, June, 1978
Mr. Bolinger – I don’t envy your saddness , if I miss my Father – I can just imagine the sadness after loosing a sibling. I’m sure you treated her in the kindness manner while she lived as you did your students; and, for this, you should find peace.
Best Regards – Mark Teran
John, what can one say when you reflect so movingly, so honestly about the absence of one so dear as your sister Connie. Opening your heart here lets others like myself remember and cherish those who have touched and changed our lives. THANKSGIVING should not just be a day in November but everyday where memories and “the now” bless each and every one of us.
John, you write so movingly, so honestly about your sister Connie that readers, myself included, need to reflect upon and cherish those who have graced our lives.
THANKSGIVING should not be just a day in November but everyday where memories and “the now” bless each and every one of us.
Gratefully, Dennis