A SPARROW, A SONG, AND A GOODBYE

My friend was buried on Saturday. Chiquita Tate was an attorney and a member and friend of those of us who sit on the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. She was horribly murdered and the police are still looking for her killer. We all miss that big, old smile of hers.

We said goodbye at a service that was made of good preaching, eulogies and music. One of the solos was a particular favorite of mine: His Eye Is On The Sparrow. I really can't remember the first time I heard it. I've played it many times both as a solo and accompanying a soloist.

It's always been assumed to be a black gospel song. And it is a staple of black services. But, in fact, it was written by white songwriters: Civilla D. Martin, who wrote the lyrics in 1905, and Charles Gabriel, who was the composer of the music. Ethel Waters, the great gospel singer, used it as the title of her autobiography.

Mrs. Martin based her words on two things: scripture (Matt. 6:26 and Matt. 10: 29-31), and a visit with a sick friend. She and her husband were in Elmira, NY, paying a call on Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for many, many years, and her husband was confined to a wheel chair. Yet, Mrs. Martin observed, they both lived Christian lives and, in spite of their infirmities, were both so happy. Mrs. Martin asked Mrs. Doolittle why they were so glad. Mrs. Doolittle answered, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."

A couple of years ago I made this cushion from one of Tanya Anderson's patterns from The Sampler Girl. It sits in my living room and I see it every time I pass by. It's just a lovely pillow honoring such a fine, fine Gospel hymn.

Check out some options on You Tube. Simply type in the words of the title. Look especially for: Sandi Patti, Fantasia and Lauryn Hill et Tanya Blount. Lauryn Hill is the one who sang it in Sister Act 2.

At times like Saturday, it's often difficult why things happen. Why Chiquita died so young and so brutally. Then, hearing the words of this song, one realizes that things happen according to God's plan and that He is watching over us.

THE LOSS OF A FRIEND FAR TOO SOON

I had been feeling pretty sorry for myself today: trip to the doctor, not being able to see my grandchildren until tomorrow. Then things fell into the proper perspective.

I have been on the ABC Board (Alcoholic Beverage Control) with Chiquita Tate for several years. She was so intelligent, so caring, so funny. She called me the "old lady", one of the few people who could get away with this. She wore the craziest shoes: sometimes odd clothes. Clunky jewelry. She drove a huge maroon hummer. She always spoke her mind.

I sat just across from her and sometimes we exchanged glances, showing if we agreed or disagreed on a matter. I always listened to her and reminded myself quite often that, if I were ever involved in a criminal matter, I would call her first.

Last night someone went into her office and very brutally murdered her. Stabbed her multiple times. She was only 34 years old. So much left to do. She was found this morning. As I sit here writing this I remember over and over that she was alive this time last night.

I hope Chief LeDuff and his guys find the murderer soon. And I can think of several of us who would like to spend some quality time with her killer. I can honestly say that I can be creative when I put my mind to it.

I'll see Chiquita again. She was a Christian and didn't mind admitting it. She will be forever young. And this old world will be much less of a place without her.

So Chiquita, rest easy. And "have a good one".

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