April/May 2009 - Junior League of Minneapolis

Community
SONG, SERVICE AND THE SISTERHOOD
By Jacque Olson, LeagueAires Committee
I
wanted to express how much I have enjoyed our little visit on these pages each
month. During this time we have talked about the therapeutic and spiritual impact
of Song and the power of Service. Now, as we approach the final curtain, my own 4th
season, I hope you do not mind if I indulge in a bit of reflection.
A few months ago a friend emailed a whimsical video that evoked no small emotion. It
was this little animated frog singing “You’ve Got a Friend” from the delightful film,
“Toy Story”; its intent to embrace sisterly love. This was my reply to my friend.
Dear Sue, This was one of the songs we always sang for our children’s venues that first year I was in
LeagueAires. I will remember it most especially for the reason that, at the very onset of beginning
rehearsals, we lost our vivacious young chairman, Marnie Ruliffson (whom I did not yet thoroughly
know) in a tragic accident. She and her 12-year old son went down in a helicopter near Siren,
Wisconsin. Left behind was her husband of some 7 years and their precious three-year old daughter. Beyond the heartbreak at hand for all of our members,
I was particularly touched by my then “big sister”, who within her own sorrow, if you can imagine, was concerned about my reaction to this event and the
fact that it may have touched upon my own recent losses. After the initial grief and struggles, but not long after this occurrence we were in rehearsal one day
at Peace Presbyterian when without notice in walked this young woman’s husband, sister and the little girl, Jenny. They had come to pay their gratitude and
bring some pastries. They had chosen a time that, albeit we would all be together, would be a heart-wrenching exercise to execute. Just as the stunned
expressions took hold, our director/pianist began plunking out this wonderful little tune and one-by-one our voices took up. It was my first foray into the
world of this amazing group of women . . . and I will never forget it.
For me, one of the greatest insights of these past four years has been the incredible and overwhelming view of what goes on in the
lives of 66 women in the course of any given week. It is like life unfolding all at once before your very eyes. The ridiculous to
supreme. All joy and pride, heartbreak and
tragedy. All trials, broken dreams and despair.
All strength, resilience, faith and conviction.
We have witnessed it all and walked
the journeys. Hand to hand. Heart to heart.
It is the one remaining element, that of
Sisterhood. For after all else, it is this which
we Give to one another.
Thank you for coming here! Thank you to
all of you who have helped us fulfill our
mission. And, on a personal note, thank
you so much to those who brought me to
this “stage” and now this year have allowed
me to share these thoughts with you.
In the event that you saw us at the JLM
Placement Fair, please consider and be
welcome to our Community
Performance at Colonial Church of
Edina on April 28 at 7:00 PM. It is our
gift to all of you and always a great, fun
and spirited evening. One of undeniably
exuberant Song and the Sisterhood!
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