Last night I attended a cocktail party for the Board of Governors in Saratoga Springs, NY. It is a time to hob nob with my fellow Board of Governors and discuss things other than policy, law or Medicaid but share a family and self-story or two.
Among the usual cheese and crackers, they pass around hors ‘d oeuvres they get to fill you up prior to dinner, and of course one must drink if at all possible. Some of us go for the hard stuff, some the dainty wine and some a good beer. I happened to try the local Saratoga Springs lager and it is quite good!
Sitting in the corner was a young lady dressed very nicely but not engaged in any conversation with anyone, just staring into an uninteresting space with a gentle smile on her face.
Suddenly amidst the chatter everyone’s attention was directed toward the place where this young lady was standing and the young lady was introduced. Her name, Olivia Esposito and she was going to sing.
Standing strait before the crowd she introduced herself and stated she had autism, and was going to sing.
Suddenly she turned to the accompanying pianist and nodded to her, and a soft but beautiful sound emulated from the keyboard and slowly Olivia began. Her voice ever so gently introduced itself to the eager listeners, slowly rising to a high pitch, flowingly reaching not only our ears, but our hearts and souls, moving many to near tears!
As I listened to this beautiful creature of God, I couldn’t help but feel a certain joy that seemed to overwhelm me, a curiosity that made me what other beautiful talent is out there? I’ve witnessed some very beautiful art, but never a singer of this magnitude who could carry the crowd on a note, lovingly bringing us to the heights of awe and gently lowering us all to her depth of voice range.
It is time that the World feel things like this, where the person is allowed out of the self-internment of fear, and recognize that all lives have meaning, all lives matter, all lives can contribute in some form or manner.
If you ever get a chance to listen to Olivia, please do.
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