The editor of RDH does not have to be a theologian. I checked. In Provision 46, Article 13 of the RDH editor’s job description, it says, “Thou shall not mock or belittle organized religion in any Editor’s Note.”
So I don’t, as you may have noticed. But I do have a faith. Since I’m not required to be an evidence-based theologian about it, I can say, “I believe there is a benevolent heaven” and get away with it.
I’ve had a profound hearing loss for 50-plus years. Apparently, in my year of birth, “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets was a huge hit. In 2011, something titled “Firework” by Katy Perry topped some charts.
I couldn’t tell you a thing about either song, or any in between (although I will admit to “studying” the Beatles around 1972 to 1973 only to feign some sort of appreciation of music to my peers).
In the March 9 issue of RDH eVillage, Wendy Bebey, the dental hygienist relations manager at Procter & Gamble, turned comical while answering a question about what most people don’t know about her, writing, “As a result of having my first mammogram last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation, I am happy to report that I am cancer free. Or, I cannot name a Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga song. “
What I’d like to propose to Wendy, if we’re in the same vicinity up there some day (again, my lack of training in theology is forgivable), is that we listen to a duet by those two musicians. We may have to wait a few years, since both are much younger.
Heaven is, to me, the place where I will finally understand the beauty of music. After a lifetime of not understanding why someone covets a certain CD as a gift, drivers who turn up the volume in the middle of stalled traffic, or trivia buffs who can recite everything about a musician’s life but are unable to name the state capital of Kansas, I need to know what it is that everyone is enjoying so much. I’m hoping that I will have that chance to appreciate sound at its very best.
In fact, I now generally leave a room where music is being played. It’s distracting to me, and much easier for me to have a conversation in a quieter room.
In fact, I think I would like to hear Jimi Hendrix and Beethoven jamming together in heaven. From my visual perception, their passion for music was unmistakable. Beethoven, of course, spent the last 25 to 30 years of his life coping with deafness.
In fact, I would like to have a sincere conversation with, uh, a fellow citizen up there about what is nice about a piece of heavenly music.
So that’s my idea of heaven. The idea doesn’t really include writing any more Editor’s Notes, since I’m paid by an earthly corporation to write them. But if Provision 67, Article 23 of my heavenly citizenship requires me to continue writing them, I guess I will. My faith allows me to presume without question that there’s a whole nation of dental hygienists in heaven. It’s a small nation, of course, since the profession will celebrate its 100th birthday just next year. But, oh, those floating clouds of floss — best scenery up there.
What do you envision that heaven will admire about dental hygienists?
In fact, I think you will be admired for your role in helping others enjoy life to the fullest.
Keep the faith in what you do,
Mark Hartley
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