Today is the day
that my Uncle Lornie (Clarence) lost his battle with cancer…
He was such a
good man, so generous, so giving, such a good sense of humor. He was a
self-taught musician; he could play any instrument given to him. He's been
playing for such a long time that music was second nature to him. He has won
numerous awards and prizes for singing and music contests. Anywhere within a
50KM radius, you would find him with his fiddle or guitar in his hand waiting
to go on stage…
Did I also
mention that he was blind? Yep, he was blind at such a young age. He was able
to see everything that went on around him even without his eyes. His instincts
and his ear for music were astounding. It only took a few times for him to
listen to a track and then be playing and singing it. We all envied that he
took the time to really feel the music; and it showed in his playing.
My mom still
talks about how he would make her and her sisters all sing; whether it was to
harmonize or whether it was to sing the lead vocals. He was always pushing them
to their possible best. Being the oldest child I believe that comes with a lot
of responsibility, one that he was willing to take on. I mean really having 7-8
younger siblings wasn't an easy task; but he was always there for all of them
when they needed some advice or guidance.
He lived his
life for so long with what society would call a disability, but we never saw it
that way. I don't know if it was because he was blind for so long that we were
accustomed to it or because he wouldn't let us see it that way. Amazing how one
person can guide your perception and allow us to have a better understanding
and acceptance of blindness. I have got to give him kudos for leading such a
long, healthy and happy life.
He was a big man
for a reason, not only because of his big heart, but because of his big sense
of humor. He had nicknames for all my Aunts, even a select few of his nieces
and nephews were lucky enough to get a nickname…mine was 'Brown Sugar'. I will
always cherish that fact and I will miss him.
But I know that
he is gone to a better place, where he will be joined by his 'Gypsy' (his mom),
his Dad, his sisters, Frances, Edna and Catharine (who passed away at age 4,
but continued to play with him after her death), his son Henry (whom he cradled
in his arms) his niece Martinique and many other relatives and friends.
I sometimes wonder if he is able to see now. But
then the thought crosses my mind that it doesn't matter if he could use his eyes
or not…he always could see. May his hands always have an instrument within
them; so he can continue to play his heartfelt music…and on that one clear day,
may we be lucky enough to hear it.
