Pressing play rarely brings tears immediately, but this one did.
My 2nd cousin, Hilary, had found a box of tapes, recordings from somewhere in the 1940’s or 50’s, converted now to digital, and sent them to me to share with our entire extended family.
It was as if I was handed a gift directly from the heavens.
To hear the voice of my Great Grandmother, Margaret Stewart Hewlett, whose legend I had never heard in my life, I felt a stirring in my DNA.
She was the first soloist overseas when the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir would tour, along with her husband, my Great Grandfather, Lester Franklin Hewlett, the president of the choir from 1938-1962.
Yes, this is my heritage, and I am proud of it.
Here is the recording I have set to a few photos of this marvelous woman. I hope you enjoy.
On this Memorial Day weekend, as we honor the fallen who have died while serving our country, I do not believe I have ancestors who sacrificed so much. On bended knee I pray for those who experienced such. I am so grateful for the families who have given this gift to us, so we can enjoy the freedoms we do now.
Equally, as we honor those great souls, I can say I have relatives and loved ones who faithfully served our country, as my Great Grandfather Hewlett, and both sides of Grandparents (Hewlett and Redford) did as well, it was fitting to hear the music from a distant time to bring such a feeling of pride and gratitude for the history of my life and love of America into one moment.
I hope this stirs your soul as well if you choose to listen to this great choir and Margaret singing.
When people ask me where the music comes from in my family line, I can proudly say both sides, from Mom & Dad. Its just really special to listen to these numbers where my Great Grandmother is the Soloist, highlighted among her peers, revered worldwide for such a unique voice, and the miracle of a recording to recall her voice.
The Promise to carry on a family legacy comes from deep within, and in precious moments of serendipity, may we receive a gift to share the echoes of a legendary past conspiring to inspire our present and future dreams, such as this has for me this day.
I invite you to Promise to celebrate, share, and carry on, or create anew, your family legacy today and always.
~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Coach & Mentor
- World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to Create Legendary Leadership through the Power of Commitment
- Author of “The Promise To The One”
8 Responses
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful legacy. What a beautiful voice Margaret had and for you to be able to have that recording is such a gift. I’m glad you are able to have that and be able to listen to your great grandma’s voice anytime. What a treasure!
I’m so grateful as well. Thank you Bobbye!
This is FANTASTIC! Love your connection to faith, family and patriotism. The recording was very cool.
Thank you so much Celeste. It’s really a neat thing to hear!
That was amazing! That brought me to tears listening to this! Thank you for sharing and for sharing your thoughts and pictures. Love you
Love you too my sister, and thankful we can have this special recording.
What a precious gift! I’m sure you felt a connection with her near and with her gratitude that you were remembering her and appreciating her gifts that she’s shared with you! ❤️
Thank you Karen. Certainly it was a major moment to hear her sing. Thank you!