I had a good friend growing up who loved Julie Andrews. My friend would imitate her singing songs from Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music. I hated doing anything remotely like that. Consequently, I was an adult before I fully began to appreciate her.
Every year as my wife, Judy, watched The Sound of Music (one of her favorites), I would marvel at Julie Andrew’s singing voice. I truly enjoyed her performance.
Back in the ’90s, Julie underwent throat surgery. The operation failed, ruining her famous singing voice. I have heard Julie Andrews interviewed many times since then, and I have never seen her model a bitter spirit.
How remarkable! While her persona as an entertainer was tied to her singing voice, she determined to carry on with her writing, acting, narration, and family. Surely, she lamented her loss. How would you respond if the one thing you did best, the one you enjoyed most, was suddenly taken away and never returned? I doubt that I would react as well as Julie Andrews.
Hopefully, nothing that cataclysmic will happen to us. In the meantime, I hope I can capture a portion of Julie’s spirit and attitude with I face adversity that is much less grave.