In January 1998 dreams of accompanying my 12 year old daughter overseas to Wagga Wagga's Sister City, Nordlingen in Germany, were shattered. Liesl was a soprano in our local choir, the Cantilena Singers, and it was to be our first overseas trip.
However, a regular medical check-up prior to leaving revealed a suspicious lump in my right breast and further investigation confirmed cancer. Adding insult to injury, cancer was also found in my left breast. At 41, a bilateral mastectomy was not on my 'to do' list! So as I waved my daughter off on her overseas sojourn, I commenced chemotherapy and thoughts of travelling abroad were dismissed.
In November 2004 my soul mate of 23 years succumbed to metastatic melanoma after a courageous 14 month battle. Often as we would be singing hymns at our church he would close his eyes and appear so peaceful, although I knew he was in much pain. He would later tell me how soothing my dulcet tones were, and that he must be experiencing eternal heavenly bliss.
Severe depression ensued, but remembering my late husband's sentiments, I decided to join the Cantilena Singers. Although I couldn't read music, it wasn't an essential prerequisite and our wonderful music director somehow elicited angelic tones out of rusty, tired and hesitant vocal chords.
Singing became my meditation, my chilling-out time. The mesmerising effect of harmonising and performing to enthralled audiences surpassed any anguish. The camaraderie within the choir, new friendships and re-kindled ones nourished my soul. As students of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music we performed for all manner of occasions including weddings, Relay for Life and various other fund-raisers within the city and further afield.
Suddenly it was October 2007 and I was about to board a plane to Frankfurt. A dream became reality. Nordlingen extended an invitation to the Cantilenas to join them for a choral extravaganza in its beautiful environs. Nine years after missing my trip with my daughter, it was my turn to be the chorister.
In November 2008 I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. There is a whisper of travelling to Nordlingen in 2010 - I'm still singing and dreaming again!
--Sylvia
