Morerecently,attheAustraliaDayCitizenship
ceremony, in South Perth, a venue we have
performed at formany years, this year, Greg’s
health was clearly on the decline, he was
having difficulty breathing, so dear capable
and reliable Rachel, stood up at the last
minute to conduct oneof the songs thatGreg
was going to conduct. However, prior to this
performance, most of the choir were feeling
a little emotional thinking that it may be
Greg’s last time at this annual performance,
and it must have been also on Rachel’s mind
too. Sowhile shewas conducting, tearswere
streamingdownher face. Of course, thenwe
were struggling too. Trying to hold back the
flood of tears while facing the audience and
camera crewwhile trying to smilewas quite a
task! It was quite an emotional song to say
the least. Well, Greg been Greg, even when
this sick, pulled all his strength together, and
conducted thenext song, smiling andputting
everything he had into it, and to top it off,
when there was a musical interlude before
thenext verse,Greg said to thechoir, ‘Didyou
hear the one about the Irishman, Englishman
and the Scotsman…” and with that, the tone
was completely lifted,wewere laughingwhile
singing thefinal verse. LaterGreg said tome,
he had to tell a joke to lift our spirits. Greg,
ever the professional, with the motto, the
showmust go on, while giving the audience
thebest, nomatterwhat.
After our last show, the choir had an after
show party. Meaningful words were shared,
gifts given and a lovely prayer sung before
Greg andMalini had to leave, Iwas in tears….
and just before he left, he said, ‘well that was
terrible’. Weall laughedandheslippedout the
door but not beforeOlivia (our daughter) ran
afterhim togivehimabighug.
Some of the happiest times of my life have
been spent as being amember of the choir. A
choir thathasbroughtmesomuchsolaceover
the years. It has helpedme to blossomwith
somuch loveandnurturing. GregandMalini
have been likemy own real family. Some of
myclosest friendsarechoirmembers. There is
justpure love. The loveofexpressingour faith
through song.
I, alongwithall theother choirmembershave
had thebountyofbeingable to teach theFaith
or at least represent the Faith at all kinds of
events and meet so many interesting people
over the years. ThroughGreg’s choir, bothhe
andMalini have given us the opportunity to
travelalong theeastcoastofAustraliawith the
amazingArtworks group, toperform inmany
venues of varying sizes, including visiting the
SydneyBaha’iTempleand touring thearchives
underneath. So many highlights over the
years. So much laughter. Such dedication
behind the scenes fromGreg.
Now all I have left to give in return is my
eternal andheartfeltgratitude.
Greg, you are such a treasure and you will
always be remembered fondly! Thank you for
givingyourabsoluteall.
Godblessyou.
Warmest lovealways,
AnneRouhani
