Bea V. Larsen . . . .Commentaries

Bea V. Larsen is a Senior Mediator at the Center for Resolution of Disputes in
Cincinnati, Ohio 
Bea V. Larsen

For a number of years Bea V. Larsen, senior mediator at the Center for Resolution of Disputes in Cincinnati, Ohio [www.cfrdmediation.com], presented weekly commentaries on WVXU radio, both on her professional work as a mediator and on more personal or general experiences. These broadcasts reached thousands of listeners in a number of midwestern states and elicited many comments. This new series of online commentaries will continue that tradition, now broadcast to the world via the internet. Comments, which can be posted directly to this blog, are warmly encouraged. More personal background information can be read in the "Introductions" category below.
 

Tears

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This entry was posted on 3/10/2007 7:07 PM and is filed under Generally Speaking.

    I had breakfast last week with Barack Obama. A thousand others joined us. The huge hotel ballroom was filled, white tablecloths, delectable pastries and fruit, glistening goblets and hot coffee.

    The crowd was in a good news mood, ready to cheer and be cheered up. And they were not disappointed, as with a calm demeanor, he spoke of what he believed could be achieved, projecting optimism. Something in short supply with each day's strife-ridden headlines.

    But it was something that happened before he spoke that made the event truly memorable. I wonder if he knows what took place as he waited in the hallway behind the stage, out of view. If not, I hope someone tells him.

    As at any political rally, a parade of notables first took brief turns at the microphone. The final speaker introduced a youngster of 16 to sing the Star Spangled Banner, without accompaniment. We all rose to our feet as she reached for and adjusted the microphone. Then, taking a deep breath she began with clear, bell like tones. Her voice was strong, well paced and assured, despite her youth.

    What happened next likely echoed the experience of everyone in the room. This hymn of patriotic allegiance begins easily enough with the opening "Oh say can you see..." but soon calls for a dramatic shift of vocal range, as "and the rockets red glare" comes into view, when many of us silently allow those close by to carry on. Our brave soloist reached that point and abruptly stopped singing, unable to hit the high note for "glare", both hands rising to her face in apparent shame and dismay.

    The crowd was already standing, listening at attention, and at this pause in the soloist's rendition, as if on signal, barely missing a beat, the audience picked up the thread of the song and loudly sang forth, in whatever range they happened to find comfort. As the anthem was ending, the rich tones of our young soloist were again heard, leading us, amplified by the microphone in her hand.

    What followed was equally moving, a standing ovation offered to the brave young woman who stood before us smiling, receiving, we all hoped, our loving admiration in sufficient measure to wipe away her embarrassment. A spontaneous outpouring of such heartfelt encouragement.

    This shared display of empathy and concern moved at least four at my table to unabashed tears. I was among them, knowing this was an experience I would long treasure.

    Unity and compassion was in the room, even before the speaker came through the door .

   
 

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    • 3/11/2007 3:42 PM paul willen wrote:
      Wonderful!


      Paul
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    • 3/14/2007 3:10 PM Patricia Summe wrote:
      Bea, This is a great story about our young people and the hopes we have for them in the world in which we live. This past Dec. Lisa Bushelman, a young mother, became a family court judge. At her investiture ceremony her 12-13 year old daughter sang the Star Spangled Banner. It was lovely to see everyone in the room encouraging her with their face and body expressions. When she was finished she had also brought tears to many an eye. It is just great to watch children grow in an environment with caring adults. Hope this note finds you well. Take care. Patsy
      Reply to this
      1. 3/18/2007 1:30 PM Bea Larsen wrote:
        Patsy: I am grateful to you for enlarging on my experience in this way. I can imagine myself being there with you reliving that lovely time. We need these reminders of what really matters and to restore optimism.  You are doing such important work. So, I m particularly pleased you are reading my commentaries.Many thanks.  Bea

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    • 5/26/2007 10:02 AM Anne wrote:
      Similar story but less patriotic. Years ago I went to see my brother in the Walnut Hills HS production of "Annie Get Your Gun." The kids who sang "No Business Like Show Business" forgot a verse and got a little muddled in the middle of the song. But they got it together by the end and belted out the last line: "let's go on with the show!" They, too, got a standing ovation! Some in the audience thought the confusion was part of the act -- a demonstration of how we really do have to go on with the show, even when we forget the words!
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      1. 5/26/2007 5:16 PM Bea Larsen wrote:
        What a vivid and heartwarming  story, Anne. I can imagine myself being there. Thank you so much. Bea

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