Last night while we were driving home from a  “COVID age - Socially distanced” present drop-off vs gathering,  I somberly told the car “Drive home”, then “Play Holiday Music”.

A few seconds later a beautiful voice surrounded us, and I immediately recognized the performer and the song.  I said  - Wow that’s Judy.  

It was a sung softly, with emotion, a bit sad but incredibly beautiful.  I wondered and had to glance at the screen to see if it was indeed Judy Garland.   It was, and at that moment I was asked to turn the volume up,  (to level 11 - Gotta love Tesla pushing limits) and we instinctively reached over and held hands. 

Tears came to both of our eyes as this original song version with these original words took on a whole new meaning and impact.   It's as if it were written for us today.

It is not as jubilant one as the one we may hear and sing today.  but with a few different words, so Incredibly meaningful and touching.

This original version from MGM’s “Meet me in St Louis” by Judy Garland was written and recorded reflected the current time in  in 1944 during World War 2 when families and friends were also away from each other, separated, torn apart, and ultimately over 70 Million people lost their lives worldwide,  20 million being service men and women.

Interestingly as of today we have nearly 79 Million+ reported COVID19 cases.  Mercifully with 1.75 deaths so far.  These original lyrics from 1944 are so much like the place we find ourselves in today, and it hit home for me and inspired this message.

 As strange and difficult as 2020 has been, we are so very thankful to be still serving you as customers, having you as friends, employees / family.   All that means so much, and it is strange, and hurts my soul to not be together.   

It is our wish that your holidays are amazing as can be, and that the new year brings to all  of us across the world positive changes. 

 It is our hope as the “original” song lyrics aptly says.. 

• Next year all our troubles Will be out of sight

• Once again, as in olden days
  
  
• Faithful friends who are dear to us Will be near to us once more

• Someday soon we all will be together If the fates allow

• Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow

So here’s to you, and our thanks for “Muddling through it all" together!

Happy and Safe Holidays. 

 Mike, Brien, Lori and the entire Insurance Center Team!

 It’s worth a listen.  Find it in your favorite app, or if you like here’s a  U-Tube link I found to the 1944 released version from MGM’s “Meet me in St Louis” (sound & captioned words only).

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NQsuIHMm3w

Here are the original lyrics by Songwriters Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine 
and sung and recorded by Judy Garland in 1944

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas 
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles Will be out of sight

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Make the Yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles
will be miles away

Once again, as in olden days 
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us, once more

Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now

1957 Frank Sinatra requested rewrite version by Hugh Martin for his upcoming album “A Jolly Christmas”

This is more commonly used today

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay From now on
our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithfull friends who are dear to us
Will gather near to us once more

Through the years We all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now.