18 years later #7122020

Today was the first time I sang a solo live outside of my home since Lent in the beginning of March. It was fitting to sing in the first church I sang at when I moved here in 2002; Glen Ridge Congregational Church.  Glen Ridge was my first singing job I got when I moved to Jersey City.  I was getting my Opera diploma from Mannes and beginning to process the sudden death of my father in 2001.  I was often on my own during the weekends exploring the garden state.  I will always be grateful for the momentum GRCC gave me with singing and fellowship.  I am not a big crier but my tears would often come during hymn singing with the wonderful GRCC choir.  My first year in NJ has some similarities to the pandemic of 2020. My future was uncertain, I wasn’t busy, I was beginning to realize my sexuality, and at 33 living in this fast paced metro area, it was truly the time to “adult.” 18 years later there’s no more Myspace or Fashion Bug but life is full.  I am supremely grateful for family, friends, various teaching/singing gigs, and most importantly, the chance to spend my life with my soulmate, Elizabeth.  Despite how it seems during this moment in time, I do believe that he, indeed, has the whole world in his hands.  #akintsucrooner