As I was playing prelude for the stake conference priesthood leadership session yesterday, the visiting presiding authority came over and interrupted me. I stopped and shook his hand. He said "tough mother." I gave a confused smile. He said "a man that can play the piano must have had a tough mother." It was L Tom Perry. She used more chocolate chips and rewards for finishing books than threats. Elder Perry was also the one who set dad apart as mission president. Without mom's strength of will and character I doubt
either one of us would have met Elder Perry. He was a relaxed and entertaining speaker. He said he was ready to throw his 2 grandsons into the ocean out of frustration for not finding wives yet. He said our responsibilities should be first to take care of ourselves including getting enough sleep (a big problem for me) and even some recreation, second to our spouse, third to our work, and forth to our callings. Another thing I thought was interesting was he testified Preach My Gospel is inspired. We're going to do some FHE's from it.And here's a closing Piano Man thought from the web site of a Michael Squires (pictured above) via Billy Joel:
It's 10 o'clock on a Sabbath day.
The regular crowd shuffles in.
Our ward is still praying for move-ins,
'Till then it's me on the organ again.
The bishopric thanks me for prelude
And announces the opening hymn.
The chorister stands, as previously planned
And now we officially begin.
La da da de de da, la la de de da … da da
Play us a song, you’re the Piano Man,
Play us a song, won’t you please.
‘Cause some in the church hold various keys,
But very few will touch any of these.
In my mind I review the day’s lessons
As our wonderful meeting ends.
Though sometimes off-balance, I offered my talents,
And the day was enhanced for my friends.
Nice story. But the pictures! That can't be Neil because that man's too fat. And Elder Perry at 87 doesn't look like that much any more. How old are the grandsons?
ReplyDeleteI think he stated in the blog that it is Michael Squires. Very cool, was the stake reorganized? Who's the new stake president? I like the song =)
ReplyDeleteNice tribute to your mother, Neil! Janeil, if you click on the underlining of Michael Squires, it takes you to his song, or you can erase the ending of the URL and see/hear more.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. I used to love to play the original on the piano, but never felt right singing "the microphone smells like a beer."
ReplyDeleteWoah! Who's eagle project...Zach??? Can't wait to see you at the Lazy Lizard in Moab. We'll leave a map/directions with Carl.
ReplyDeleteI edited the entry so you could tell who the picture was.
ReplyDeleteGlad Brenda never covered Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening".