I grew up, a shy kid, on a farm in rural Montana. Started school 1952, the first class ever in Manhattan’s history with over 25 students, the beginning of the baby boomers. When I graduated from High School in a class of 28, about 20 of us had been together for 12 years.
College was an eye opening experience and the most terrifying thing I had to do was speak in front of a class of strangers. When I graduated as an engineer, that fear controlled my decision and I chose a career in the timber industry rather than a career involving people.
When we moved to Lewistown in 95 we adopted Frannie (left), an older lady in our church as part of our family. Frannie’s closest relatives, her brothers, lived in Salt Lake. She was part of our family until we lost her in March of 08.
Frannie’s best friend in town was Mildred (right). These pictures were taken on Mildred’s 98th birthday in February of 08. After Frannie’s memorial service where I was honored to sing, Mildred’s comment was how much she missed the singing since she had become confined by health, to her assisted living home and had been unable to join us in our fellowship meetings.
This was my inspiration. Why wait, record some Hymns on a CD so Mildred could enjoy them. I had a dual disc CD player recorder that allowed me to add audio to the new recording and a CD of Chuck Smith playing selections from Hymns Old & New. I added a few Hymns from an Alan Jackson CD Precious Memories where I sang harmony. My daughter Stacie joined me on four Hymns and over the next month we put together a collection of twenty seven Hymns I called Stan’s Favorites.
It was so rewarding to be able to brighten Mildred’s last months with us in song. Mildred went on to her reward in December of 08.
The rest of the story is this. I had to push through so many fears and self esteem issues to complete my project that it opened the doors to a whole new world of possibilities. As friends heard about my CD, the common request was “Can I get a copy” and I gave away hundreds of copies. It has been a Blessing to so many but when you share your talents with others the blessings return many times.
I’ve included a track from the CD for your enjoyment.
Stan “Help Me To Look To Thee”
Share your talents, it will be a Blessing to Others and to You.
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Hello Stan,
I understand pushing through your fears and self esteem issues to accomplish something you’ve never done before. But I’ve discovered that’s the only way you get to be something that you’ve never been before.
I’m a 2nd grade school teacher. I live in Visalia. I’ve spent a bundle this year on internet education. I’ve been in MLM a number of years with little or moderate success. I’m looking to replace my school income so I can get out of education. I’m a boomer. I’ve got a capture page earnforsearch.com. I’m getting into article marketing and list building. I have a list of 300 plus on my aweber account, but I’m understanding how to make that larger.
You emailed me re ijango and the new EOS browser.
I’ll connect with you through Facebook. Have a great day.
Stan, I really enjoyed your story about Mildred, Brought back some memories of my family in MN and listening to all the old church hymns. I like the new look of your blog, and I have joined your blog also;)
See you around neighbor,
Hans
Hi John
The older I get, the more I appreciate my teachers when I was in school. See you on facebook. Stan
Hi Hans
Glad you enjoyed it. It’s been a complete redesign and reorganization of everything. Glad you liked the changes. It’s a work in progress.
Stan