I had to look up what a letterman’s jacket was! Congratulations, Nonnie, that is SO wonderful, I am so proud for you!

Hell, singing is a sport. We use our bodies as instruments, our WHOLE bodies. Often in ways that require minute and intense adjustment… and then we have to MAINTAIN that over rehearsals and lessons and concerts. Like… The development of your low abdominal breathing (SPLAT!), the carriage of ribcage and the intercostal muscles, dropping the pelvic floor, sustaining tone over the phrase, forward posture on the balls of the feet – which must of course be maintained for long periods, tilt for cripes’ sake, lifting the soft palate, using a consistent head tone, spin and twang, eradicating tongue and jaw tension, maintaining healthy production away from the throat in both pianissimo and fortissimo sections – I can go on and on – the sheer physical effort that goes into singing makes it a very sportlike endeavour. 

Worth mentioning too is that aspect of many societies that devalues the Arts and upholds Sports. My own country – Australia – does the same (holy shit does it ever, it is infuriating). You are as worthy of that jacket as anyone sporty. Your efforts may be in a different field (pun intended) but they are just as impactful and important. 

You deserve that jacket, friend. You’ve worked damn hard.

(I am so glad to hear that the lullaby has helped you. I hope you have beautiful sweet dreams, Nonnie.)