Alabanza!

The first time I heard the word "Alabanza" was when I first listened to "In The Heights". Lin gives you the definition in the song, "Alabanza means to raise this thing to God's face and to sing quite literally "praise to this". I sang this song throughout the pandemic: in my car, in the shower, at the kitchen sink, I would close my eyes and sing Alabanza in the haunting way Lin wrote. Alabanza, Alabanza, Alabanza. 

Tonight Trent took me to the movies to see "In The Heights". He bought the tickets weeks ago. I am such a musical theater nerd that he wanted to take me opening night, but this was a big week. I am grateful that the tickets were for tonight. 

I have not been to the movies in over a year. I love the movies. I love the previews. I love the popcorn and soda bigger than my head. Movies have always been my favorite escape. We sat in the center of the theater and the lights went out, and the previews played. No, Yes, No, Yes, Yes. I like to grade the trailers as we go. And then it was time. 

The move started, the music started and then I was home. Home with the music around me and joy inside. I watched with expectation and delight as the songs I know were brought to life on the screen. It was coming time when the cast sings Alabanza, when Abuela Claudia dies. The cast sings praise for the woman that raised them, loved them, and was not related to them. 

Soon tears came and then as the lyrics continued, I started to weep. As the cast mourned the loss of this fictional character I sat and mourned my friend Judy Tenenbaum. 

Judy loved so big. Judy gave everything: love, time, money, advice, kindness. I sat and mourned my dear friend who I loved and who loved me. Judy was a romantic and loved that I was getting married. She would always smile at me like a proud mom at events and board meetings. And as I sat in that theater I thought of how much I will miss her on my wedding day. I thought about how much she would have loved to see me in love. I can imagine her sparkling eyes and warm smile. 

Alabanza, Judy Kohn Tenenbaum! I lift you to Gods face and sing praise for you! You loved me, you loved your City Year "kids", you gave and gave and gave. I know many will remember Judy for her contribution to the arts, which are extraordinary. I will remember how she loved people, how she loved our corps members, and how she loved me. 

The only picture I have of us together is from our 10th annual Red Jacket Ball. The picture is of a City Year alumni giving President Clinton an award. Judy is where she was for so many of us, right behind the spotlight cheering us on. Alabanza, Alabanza my dear friend Judy, Alabanza, Alabanza!