I received news today that Rita MacNeil died yesterday in Sydney, Nova Scotia, not far from her beloved home of Big Pond, Cape Breton.
It was one of those moments when your reality shifts and is never the same again. Rita, gone! I took the news like I had lost a dearly beloved friend, and I guess that in a way I did
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The Celtic lilt of Rita's voice was hauntingly beautiful. It poignantly bespoke the brokenness we all share. It chronicled the disappointments, longings and triumphs of a life of inner struggle and hard work. She sang from her heart and testified to her honest truth; she was happiest in the place where she drew her first breath and her last.
As an expatriate Nova Scotian I was moved to tears each time I heard her sing of our beloved province. A passion for the rugged shores of our east coast homeland was a cherished obsession that we held in common. It bonded us as sisters even though we never met officially. Knowing that she had not only managed to make it home, but was well-beloved there, I pray that I will one day do the same. I have often thought that if it happened for Rita, it might just happen for me someday. Here's hoping.
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"Drop by for a cuppa tea. The kettle is always on!" This common Nova Scotian invitation was one which Rita took to heart with great success. Several years ago, Eric and I stopped by for a cuppa at Rita's Tea Room while in Cape Breton visiting with Eric's recently widowed mom. It seemed not at all unusual that the grand dame was there that day, greeting patrons, having her picture taken with all and sundry and chatting amiably to anyone who approached her.
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I viewed the scene, feeling great affection for this gentle soul, but chose not to impose upon her myself, as like the great lady, I suffer at times with shyness. I trusted there would be another time, but of course now there won't be; however I have no regret. It seemed right at the time, it still does and I wouldn't change a thing. I loved her and enjoyed her company from afar; my awkward conversation would have gilded the lily.
Farewell sweet lady. I miss you already.
Farewell sweet lady. I miss you already.
I am sorry to say I never knew this lovely lady. I can hear how much you loved her though. Blessing on her family at this time. She sounds like she was a very special lady.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Terri
Thank You So Much, Terry,
DeleteShe was SO special! Just a salt-of-the-earth kind of person that made you proud to be from her neck of the woods. So, so lovely, and thoughtful. Being a woman of "size" myself, I took it into my mind to e-mail her once and ask her where she bought her beautiful clothes.( she was always so well-turned out, was our Rita!) The dear lady ACTUALLY e-mailed me back with a great suggestions of where she got some great clothing finds, in Vancouver where I live, as she had struck up a relationship with a local clothing designer for plus-sized women. I couldn't believe it! Such a dear! Tis like I lost an Auntie, really. And that was just how she was, according to all who ever talked about her. She will be missed for more than her music!
Hi: I am new to your blog and I am so glad we found each other. I will pray for you, as you good through this hard time. I know God will comfort you. I did not know the lady you were talking about in this post. I am sorry for her loss as well. Blessings, Martha
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha for your kind words of comfort. We Nova Scotians are very fond of our entertainers and Rita was like a mother to us all. She became quite an international star at one point and did quite well for herself, but got to the point where she just wanted to come home to Big Pond and enjoy life. She participated in a lot of local events, and travelled less and less as time went on, as I suppose her health deteriorated. She was just a star in our Canadian Crown and she will be missed.
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