Something Magical happens every May in Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University. What appears on the surface as a simple song unveils something musically and emotionally complex.

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” is a simple hymn that takes its lyrics from Numbers 6:24-26. Singing the song has been a tradition in Dowling’s choir department for over 20 years, and is usually done during times of change, times of growth, and times of longing. Whether it be a funeral, Dowling’s graduation, or the final choir concert of the year. 

But for me, this year was different. This year, I wasn’t singing-I was standing in front of the stage in Sheslow Auditorium having the entire choir sing to me. Wishing me well. Sending me into the next chapter of my life… and I got a lot more emotional than I’d like to admit.

It’s hard to say goodbye to this group of people. I’ve worked with most of them for 3 years, and the rest have created such a welcoming environment that I have felt at home within the choir department. Laughing, crying, working through the challenges of getting two new directors at the same time. I have met some of my best friends, and cannot thank them enough for being a part of my journey. The choir department is like a second family to me, and I am so lucky to have this community at my back as I enter the next chapter of my life.

For our last concert of the year, we sang The Road Home by Stephen Paulus. In it there is a line: “There is no such beauty as where you belong”- and I have found the place where I belong. Even if only for 4 years.