This past Saturday night our eight-year-old daughter Emmie, whom some of you know, had the privilege of singing a very special song from the musical Little Women with the local orchestra, and I was able to capture an “unofficial” recording during one of the rehearsals. It’s on my small computer mike in the auditorium, so not a perfect recording, but I think you’ll still be able to feel something significant, even if you don’t know Emmie, so I’m posting this here. (I may not be able to leave this recording up here, so wanted to give you all a chance to hear this now).
This same weekend, I was introduced to two amazing poems from Mary Oliver, whom my sister recently heard “live” at UCLA, and they complement the experience of Emmie’s singing, giving different glimpses on how to live…Enjoy!
Dr. Ben
[audio:https://doctorbenlo.com/audio/AstonishingRehearsal6-21-08.mp3] Emmie’s Rehearsal Debut
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention
Be astonished
Tell about it.
(excerpted from “Sometimes” by Mary Oliver in her new collection Red Bird)
I ask Percy How I Should Live My Life (Ten) (Percy apparently is Mary’s dog)
Love, love, love, says Percy.
And run as fast as you can
along the shining beach, or the rubble, or the dust.
Then, go to sleep.
Give up your body heat, your beating heart.
Then, trust.
Absolutely Amazing! Beautiful! Inspiring! So young and so powerful! All of us should learn from this–we are not turning back but are shining as bright as the sun! We are all astonishing at last!
I JUST WANT TO SAY EMMIE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE. IT WAS FEELED WITH SO MUCH PASSION AND POWER. TO ME SUCH A YOUNG GIRL SHE HAD A HUGE GOD GIVIN GIFT AND I WISH HER THE BEST OF LUCK. SHE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ME. I KNOW I AM HERE ON THIS JOURNEY FOR A REASON AND I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU BEN FOR ALL YOUR GUIDENCE. YOU HAVE BEEN GREAT. TELL YOUR DAUGHTER SHE IS AWESOME AND TO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BECAUSE SHE TRUELY IS AMAZING.
Ben! i am stunned. for 8 years she has the poise and voice of an adult diva. if she continues, she will be on broadway or singing at the met and kennedy center. wow i am so impressed, its just unbelievable! you must be so proud!
Don
Thank you, Don, Cheri, and Angie for your wonderful comments. I just read them to Emmie to a big smile!
Glad you were each impacted and able to anchor and share your feelings so eloquently!
I’ve been trying for the last few hours to hear Emmie (11am-3pm est) I can only hear 2 seconds.
Hi Anita,
It seems to be working…try clicking “Tools” in your browswer and deleting all offline files and cookies, and then rebooting your internet if needed…hope you get to hear it!
Ben, thanks so much for sending this… WOW on all counts. I had, as you know, the privilege of meeting Emmie on a couple of of brief occasions when she was younger- she was unforgetable then and clearly that spirit has only grown. Hearing Emmie’s lovely, expressive voice sing that particular song which seems to capture (at least part of) her essence was a forever blessing. Combined with Mary Oliver’s poetry…. Blessings to you and Rachelle and all your children. Thanks for sharing the above with the world!
Great to hear from you, Tina! So glad you got to enjoy this, and thank you for your wonderful comments!
I took away some very empowering thoughts from Emmie’s song.
Emmie your song was very moving.
• There is no turning back
• I’m meant for something more
• Find my passion that pulls me from within
• Find my time and place fearlessly
Emmie YOU are truly Astonishing.
Thank you for your gift that empowered me.
Anita
Beautiful! The Lord has truly blessed you! Wish I could have been there to see and hear it live! I heard there were lots of tears. I am so proud! Love you guys!!
Meg
Thank you for sharing your little girls gift & inspiring message.
Jenna forwarded this to me, and I am was so thankful. Memories wash over me, and I have been moved to tears ( Just as Jenna said) I remember listening to Emmie at my parents house probably 4 or 5 years ago. I loved it then and I love it now. Emmie your voice is beautiful. A true gift from God.
Emmie please say hi to your dear Momma, and congratulations on the little one to come.
Love and Blessings to all,
Sheri
Wonderful Sheri, Meg, and Jenna–so glad you were able to enjoy this. Will pass your love and greetings on, and blessings to you all!
Ben, thank you so much for sharing this with us. Emmie has once again proven how incredibly talented she is! She is without a doubt one of God’s special gifts to the world. I expect she will grow into bigger stages as time goes on (if that is the path she chooses). You and Rachelle must be so proud! I miss all you guys.
Emmie, thank you for your beautiful performance.
Don
You’re welcome, Don! So glad you were able to enjoy this!
Hey Ben,
Emmie was great at 3 when she did the script at a Dallas Conference. And WOW !!!!! Now at 8 she is absolutely AWESOME !!!!! What a voice !!! She has the Power, Poise, and Competence of someone twice or thrice her age, with years of professional singing under her belt.
Tell Emmie for me that she is AWESOME.
Much Love to you and the Family, John
Ben,
Thank you for sharing Emmie with us, how truly gifted she is. What a blessing to hear the clear, strong, and warm voice of such a young one. I wouldn’t have guessed she was 8, her poise and maturity is that of someone much older. Please share with Emmie how she has touched our hearts with her voice and beautiful energy.
You must be so proud! Emmie you are a beautiful spirit!
Terry
Will do!
Thank you both, John and Terry!!!
She shines as bright as gold — and she knows how that feels. After all, she taught me that!
Yes! I remember that magical moment at your home in Chesterton a few years ago, Toli! Thanks for the mentor and friend you’ve been to our whole family!
Hello Dr. Ben,
Emmie’s voice is nothing short of angelic. What amazing God-given talent she has! Thank you for sharing her lovely song with us.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family, Donna.
Thank you, Donna! Glad you enjoyed this gift!
Dr. Ben, Emmie & family;
Beautiful voice! Emmie sounds like an angel and she truly graced that lovely song. You must be so proud.
Thank you Dr. Ben for sharing.
Blessings!
Sandy Guerriere
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absolutely goregous voice. Wow. Keep it up Emmie, you certainly do have a gift.
She is already atonishing and shining as bright as the sun!
I like the sound of Emmie’s voice. I wish I knew the story line to put the words in context but I have seen the movie “Little Women”. Thank you for sharing Ben. Wow!
So glad you enjoyed it! I think Emmie’s representing the character of “Jo” the sister who wanted to be a writer in this song. 🙂
Ben, Emmie and Family. Thank you for sharing this. I listened last night and again this morning with my wife. Emmie you have such a beautiful strong voice…simply beautiful. Truly the voice of an angel.
We both cried tears of joy as we listened…we wish you so much success following your dreams……
Ben – a good instruction of how to live – “Pay attention, Be astonished, Tell about it.”
Thank you
Colin
Ben,
Emmie is already “shining as brightly as the sun!” Please give her a hug. She gracefully connects our hearts to one another in an astonishing circle of love. Emmie, thank you. All our love,
Jack, Wendy, Sarah, Gretl, Grace, Hope, & Faith
Dr. Jack & Colin, thank you so much — just read your comments to Emmie & Rachelle. This is what we love–being able to connect & share, give & receive…Blessings on your families, your work, and your day!
Ben,
Thank you for sharing your little Angel with us.
Inspiring…honoring us with a connection to her spirit.
I listened again and again, shared it with my husband, and can’t wait to share with my kids (one of whom enjoys singing and is reading Little Women right now so know it will move her deeply).
Please share our gratitude with Emmie and tell her to keep SHINING…our world needs her precious voice.
With gratitude,
Mollie
Wow…thank you so much, Mollie! Look forward to our families meeting in person sometime soon! 🙂
Ben
Ben,
Colin Ude Lewis sent me the link to this. I just had a moment to take a break from a hectic moment, and Emmie’s singing, and the Mary Oliver poetry added such joy to my morning.
Emmie has an amazing gift! I have a friend who’s Broadway agent. If your’e ever heading in that direction, I’d be happy to connect you.
Thanks to you and Emmie for blessing my morning.
Ben,
Emmie’s voice is similar to Andrea MacArdle’s voice. She was the original Annie on Broadway. Emmie needs to continue singing. She has natural talent!!!
Dr Ben, I loved it. I’m always amazed at the courage of our children. She probably has many gifts…but her voice is inspirational. I can tell how precious she is to you…in my mind, that is also a gift. Thx for sharing!!
So glad you enjoyed hearing her, Wendy, and thanks for your comments both as a fellow parent and someone who understands and gives inspiration!
Ben,
Emmie is a precious gift! Wow!
I am grateful that you share Emmie with us!
Bravo! What a beautiful voice!
Ben, your sweet Emmie is extraordinary!
Warmest,
Lana
Thanks so much, Lana! I just enjoyed a private walk with Emmie outside a little while ago. Glad you enjoyed her singing!