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Today I welcome Claire McAuliffe to Create Your World, as she shares a beautiful story of a man who was connected with his passions, and the beauty that created in his life and in the lives of others. Are you connected with your passions? If not, do come explore them in the company of other beautiful souls.
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Geoff would never have expected to be the star of a blog, I’m not even sure that he would’ve known what a blog was! He was the unassuming organist in the gorgeous country town of Berry NSW. We first met in 2004 when he came down the stairs of the church, grabbed my hand and announced, “You’re the woman I’ve wanted to meet for ages!”
Geoff was absolutely passionate about organ music. He first became familiar with the organ as a boy when he accompanied his father to Westminster Abbey and pumped the billows for his father as he played. Later as a teenager Geoff became a boy chorister, learning not only to sing but also to play the organ beautifully.
When Geoff played people were transported to heaven!
Years later when he arrived in Australia it wasn’t long before the congregation heard of his talents and so began his playing “career”, first in Rochester Victoria then later in Berry. Geoff would play every Sunday and his beloved congregation supported his music with strong voices. As Geoff grew older he got worried about who would follow his footsteps, although he put the word out often no one would even volunteer their time to learn, let alone play on a Sunday.
That was until I arrived on the scene. I had a fair musical knowledge, having learnt the piano for a few years. However my education had been a bit rough around the edges. I was nervous because I knew I had big shoes to fill but I was never expecting to actually play that often due to family commitments.
So began weekly Friday mornings with Geoff, practising hard and long. Learning pieces of music I’d never even heard of, sometimes not even liked!
Geoff’s passion was catching…
I persevered and began to notice that not only was I was actually getting better I had a better appreciation for music. I would watch the reactions of the congregation as he played various pieces of music. The look of joy that was on his face was like he was being transported back to England in those old majestic cathedrals. He would lose himself in the pure passion and love of playing which touched people’s hearts. He had a fantastic talent for playing and evoking emotions with the music.
One scene that still brings tears to my eyes was one Advent season when our church hosted a large choir who were giving a Christmas concert and they asked Geoff to accompany them on the organ for a few of the carols. There, in that crowded candlelit church, I allowed myself to become totally wrapped up in the beautiful music. Many times I stole a look across at Geoff, his eager face lit up with enthusiasm as his arthritic fingers moved over the keys. It seemed that they had a mind of their own; they simply had to play, no matter what.
Suddenly the last carol began, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Geoff pulled out all stops; the organ was at her loudest so as to accompany the thunderous voices. I couldn’t take my eyes off Geoff. It was like he was in another world. Then as the hymn came to an end, I saw tears streaming down his face.This night had ignited beautiful memories of his singing days in Westminster Abbey. Little did we know then but it was to be his last big moment as his health issues got worse. He began playing less and less so it was time for me to take up the baton.
I had the pride and pleasure to play for this true gentleman’s funeral. He had written out his musical requests in his will some 10 years before but there hadn’t been anyone who could have actually carried them out. That day I put every single piece of advice and practice that I’d learned under that man’s guidance into practice and played my heart out. Although I was often told that I was Geoff’s clone, I’ll always know that I never quite filled those shoes.
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I’m a loving mother who out of difficult times has come through the other side to explore her gifts. A life coach whose passion is to guide women through their own troubles to find inner peace and excitement in the world.
Connect with me here:
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https://clairethelifecoach.
lifecoachclaire@gmail.com
