Dedication

 Believe in your story. - J. K. Rowling

I don’t know which is worse, the two rejection letters I received today from literary agents in London, one addressed to “Dear Author,” the other to “Dear Writer,” ("Dear Pond Life," would have at least been more imaginative, surely...) 

Or the ‘royalty cheque' (I use the term very lightly...) I also received today from the publishers of my first Shakespeare book, in the amount if £14.32 ($22.87 USD). I mean really, is that even worth the paper, ink and postage? Oy vey...

Still, in the midst of laughable dismay there is inspiration. 

Today, Her Majesty, The Queen honoured a 78 year old, Northumberland man, David Nichol for his single-handed dedication to his parish church choir.

Nichol joined the choir at St. John's Church when he was only 8 years old, on 1 October 1939. At that time, he was one of 36 choristers. But, over the years, numbers have dwindled, and since 1977, Nichol has been the sole voice in the church choir. He is the choir.

Each and every Sunday, come rain or shine, David Nichol walks a mile from his home in Acomb to St. John's to stand alone, and sing.

Now, that's dedication. That is truly believing that you have a song worth singing.