Farewell

Facebook, you've been a good friend to me for many years now. Always showing me the carefully polished version of myself that I want to see, my narcissistic ego has never been better than during our lengthy and intimate relationship. Now, however, it is time for us to, "see other people".

I thought we could just be friends, but you wanted more than that didn't you? I've shared more with you than with most of my non-virtual friends, which, upon thinking about it, is really quite pathetic.

Don't think that I'll forget all the good times we had, I'm grateful for the ways in which you helped me make and maintain friendships that I would have otherwise not had, but I really want to get to know those people now, not just the shiny pixelated version you offer me.

Maybe I'll see you again someday Facebook, but for now, I think it would be best if we just existed in this shared world together, but apart.

Love,

Ryan

In Memoriam

Dr. Schell there are really no words to describe how much you meant to me. Always ready with a quiet smile, a witty comment and a beautiful song, you touched deeply the lives of all your students. Thank-you for all that you taught me, my love of choral music is due in large part to your patient work. Whenever I sing in a choir I will think of you and your sacrifice of praise. I can't wait to sing with you again in heaven.

O God Beyond All Praising

O God beyond all praising,

we worship you today

and sing the love amazing

that songs cannot repay;

for we can only wonder

at every gift you send,

at blessings without number

and mercies without end:

we lift our hearts before you

and wait upon your word,

we honor and adore you,

our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,

accept the love we bring,

that we who know your favor

may serve you as our king;

and whether our tomorrows

be filled with good or ill,

we'II triumph through our sorrows

and rise to bless you still:

to marvel at your beauty

and glory in your ways,

and make a joyful duty

our sacrifice of praise.

Sing on Dr. Schell. Sing on!