26 Feb
Tenderly
I strongly feel that this story has to be recorded here on my blog, because it’s the kind of family heirloom tale that should never be forgotten. This is written here as transcribed by my mom, dictated to her by my grandma as they were planning for her funeral during the last few weeks of her life.
“The girls could sing Tenderly, they all have such beautiful voices. Nat King Cole himself sang it to Jim and I when we were first married. We walked into a bar where new musicians came to play. As we were coming in the man at the piano, Nat King Cole( he was not well known yet), asked if we were married. We answered yes, we were. Then he asked what our favorite song was, as he would like to play it for us. Jim and I looked at each other and Jim said, we don’t have one. Nat said he would play a song he just wrote, one he had never played before. It was Tenderly and it has been our song every since.”
A few of her great-grandchildren (including me) are singing this at her funeral. I’m really looking forward to it.
I'm a farm-raised almost-crunchy stroller-pushing picture-taking lifestyle-blog-writing gastronomy-obsessed divine-seeking thrift-store-combing cheese-inhaling pavement-pounding laughter-sprinkling lover of individuality and taking chances.
wow! that’s a really cool story! good luck singing, you’ll d o great!
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1I have always loved Nat King Cole. I’m glad you are going to have such a role in the memorial service. Thinking of you.
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2Aww… What a special story. Totally made me tear up. I am sure it will be just beautiful today. Thank you for sharing.
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3That is a beautiful story Jenna, thanks for sharing
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4Wow - that is an amazing story to have and pass down! Thanks for sharing it!
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5Wow that’s amazing! What a beautiful memory to have of your newlywed years.
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6That story gave me goosebumps! So sweet.
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7That is SO COOL. A song sung just for them - what a memory and I’m glad you are recording this for future generations. And even more wonderful that you also have their loving example to remember in your own marriage.
You and the others will sing it wonderfully I’m sure!
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8What a wonderful story!
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9That is an incredible story. Gave me goosebumps. I’m sure that song will be so special for everyone in the family from now on.
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10What a beautiful story. How lucky they were to have such an amazing experience!
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11That is amazing! What an interesting life your great grandmother led!
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12What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!
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13Wow! That is such a sweet story. I had to go look the song up on itunes.
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14What a lovely story! And what a sweet tribute to your great-grandmother.
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15That is an amazing story. Definitely one to be recorded and retold. Saw your tweet that the funeral was beautiful. So glad.
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16Wow - what an incredible story. I love Nat King Cole and I love that song. How special.
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17I’m so sorry for your loss, Jenna — sounds like she was a pretty amazing woman who lived an amazing life. This story is one to be passed down, for sure!!
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18What a beautiful story to have & share! I am sorry for your loss & hope that everyone is doing okay
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19This makes me happy
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20What an incredibly touching story! You’re so lucky to have gotten to spend so much time with your great-grandmother.
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