Why can’t I let you know the song my heart would sing? / That beautiful rhapsody of love and youth and spring / The music is sweet / The words are true / The song is you

Jerome Kern, “The Song Is You”

As I was ruminating on topics for this entry, the lyrics of this jazz classic popped into my mind. I’ll do my best to show you why.

This is my Opa, Wells Dee Halverson. Don’t let his serious expression fool you; he was one of the most positive and loving people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He always had a fun new story to tell. He always showed me that he loved me. He passed away years ago, but he remains an active part of so many aspects of my life.

One of these can be easily seen in my family’s traditions and tastes. When he was young, Opa served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany. His love of German culture followed him through the rest of his life, and this love has graciously passed to his family. Many members of my family speak German. We all enjoy German food and Christmas decorations. Though he is no longer with us, his love of German culture is one way that we all remember him.

As I recently walked the streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I couldn’t help but think of Opa. Rothenburg is a medieval city in Germany that has been miraculously well-preserved over the years. Many describe the village as a “fairytale” or a “postcard.” The town teaches visitors about classical German aesthetics, food, ideals, and more. Though it does mainly function as a highly effective tourist trap, it served as a place of reflection and connection with my Opa. Because of this, Rothenburg was a very sacred experience for me.

For instance, when I walked into the town’s famous, overpriced Christmas store, I found this orchestra of angels. However, it wasn’t their cuteness that caught my attention. It was the fact that my family owns these exact angels. First acquired by my Oma and Opa, these heavenly musicians often make an appearance in my home during the holiday season now that they’ve been passed down to my mom.

Walking the streets of Rothenburg reconnected me with Opa, something I relished and hated to leave. Because of this, Rothenburg became just that much more special in my eyes. It was sacred to me.

Rothenburg was Opa. (At least, as close to Opa as I can get at the moment.)

I love that when a place reminds you of important people or things, it will become more holy in your eyes.

What places are holy to you?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Culturally called the “Mormon Church,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prefers its full title to emphasize its Christian beliefs. Believe that God has called a modern-day prophet to restore the Jesus Christ’s Church, which was corrupted. Teachings include increasing focus on the Savior, caring for the poor, ending personal conflict in lives, and strengthening families.

“Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.(www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/restored-church-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng)