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Carolyn Berry
Owner, The Berry Fit CompanyCarolyn was raised in a small town in Iowa and began sewing as a young child. Her affinity to fabric and fit along with her entrepreneurial spirit has led her to develop Berry Fit Company into the nation's largest and most responsive maker of custom horse show clothing. Carolyn works alongside her daughter Polly Vandall, an award-winning designer, to continue to create quality, unique western show wear.
Christmas Joys - Tue, Dec 27th, 2011
Written By: Carolyn Berry
Written By: Carolyn Berry
Let me begin by saying, one of the hats I wear is Music Director of the First Presbyterian Church, here in New Philadelphia. One of the messages was on suprises of joy at Christmas. As I listened, I was excited about being aware during the season to claim the Joy.
The next Sunday, we had scheduled a choral anthem and two solos for special music. One of the solos was to be performed by a lady on staff at Kent State. She has been a solid alto during my years as director. However, she had lost probably 50 pounds during the last few years and I noticed that her voice had changed into a solo voice as well. When I mentioned that she might do a solo, she seemed excited by that and brought a piece by Amy Grant that she liked.
During the very last rehearsal in preparation for her solo, she stated that from age 5 to age 18, she had not uttered a sound. Her parents did not want to hear her, so she developed a syndrome of some sort and she never uttered another sound. At age 18, she knew she wanted to teach, so she began speaking again. To hear her speak of her journey, was so sad on the one hand, but so joyful that she has succeeded so well in her teaching career, flute and voice.
My second joy came shortly afterward, last week to be exact, during the time our family gathered in Iowa for the passing of my father. He was 92 and although not sick, he was evidently going Home for Christmas and his body was shutting down. I am the oldest of 6 children and we were all gathered around his bed along with his loving wife, Margie. Just being there with family and watching the loving gestures became my next Christmas Joy.
So, having received joy through out the year, I certainly want to pass it on. Hopefully, your year was joyful in many ways. Sometimes the down times are necessary to appreciate the up times.
Take care over the holidays and please keep in touch as we consider you a part of our larger family.
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The next Sunday, we had scheduled a choral anthem and two solos for special music. One of the solos was to be performed by a lady on staff at Kent State. She has been a solid alto during my years as director. However, she had lost probably 50 pounds during the last few years and I noticed that her voice had changed into a solo voice as well. When I mentioned that she might do a solo, she seemed excited by that and brought a piece by Amy Grant that she liked.
During the very last rehearsal in preparation for her solo, she stated that from age 5 to age 18, she had not uttered a sound. Her parents did not want to hear her, so she developed a syndrome of some sort and she never uttered another sound. At age 18, she knew she wanted to teach, so she began speaking again. To hear her speak of her journey, was so sad on the one hand, but so joyful that she has succeeded so well in her teaching career, flute and voice.
My second joy came shortly afterward, last week to be exact, during the time our family gathered in Iowa for the passing of my father. He was 92 and although not sick, he was evidently going Home for Christmas and his body was shutting down. I am the oldest of 6 children and we were all gathered around his bed along with his loving wife, Margie. Just being there with family and watching the loving gestures became my next Christmas Joy.
So, having received joy through out the year, I certainly want to pass it on. Hopefully, your year was joyful in many ways. Sometimes the down times are necessary to appreciate the up times.
Take care over the holidays and please keep in touch as we consider you a part of our larger family.
View All of My Blogs | Blog Home