“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” ― Peggy Toney Hort
October has always been my favorite month, filled with special birthdays and wedding anniversaries of loved ones, a time that includes festive holidays and a herald of our season of gratitude, Thanksgiving. There are also a few yahrzeits to observe, the anniversary of those loved ones who have passed.
This past October 14th, my dear friend/choral conductor/mentor, Dr. David A. Drinkwater, died at the age of 92. For over 40 years, David continued to teach and inspire me, to instill an enthusiasm for music and art. He was an avid cook, gardener, antique collector, and consummate host of many dinner parties and 4th of July celebrations. His Halloween parties were infamous. I was fortunate and proud to be a member of the Kirkpatrick Chapel Choir at Rutgers University with whom David had an association for over 43 years. I came to realize that he had planted many seeds even before I entered my Cantorial studies at Hebrew Union College.
The legacy that David leaves behind is an army of loving friends who have benefitted from and have shared his influence throughout their lives, striving toward success, to carry on the lessons he imparted.
Who is your mentor and what is your village? As we enter the season of gratitude and thanksgiving, let us remember and thank them. If they are still here to receive our expression of thanks, perhaps write a note or make a call. Whether they are here or not, may we carry their love and their inspiration and share with the next generation.
B’shira (in song), Judy
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