bell

When we moved to Willow Manor 22 years ago, this great old bell
was on the property, mounted on a wooden post. It's been well used
over the years, to summon children on warm summer nights. The
clapper rings a wonderful clear G major that wafts across the Scioto
River. I often wonder of its history, hidden inside the dark iron crown.

The tolling of bells always evokes poignant emotions in me. The tiny
Indiana village, where I lived as a young girl, had two churches whose
bells tolled for Sunday services, as well as weddings and funerals.
Wedding bells rang wildly with happiness, while funeral tolls were
hauntingly slow, with several seconds between each chime. I can't
hear a bell toll today, without it reaching in, grabbing my heart, and
giving it a squeeze.

Speaking of heart grabbing, there are some powerful bell scenes in
movie history. My favorite would have to be the chilling scene in
Black Narcissus as Deborah Kerr clings to the bell rope after
Kathleen Byron pushes her off the vast cliff. Just as scary, is the
bell tower scene in Vertigo, where Kim Novak backs off the dark
edge and falls to her death, much to Jimmy Stewart's chagrin.

But, the sweetest bell scene would have to be Father Murphy
rewarding Darby O'Gill, for volunteering to pick up the church bell
from a neighboring village, with the music of the bell for generations
to come.

A sweet real life bell scene happens to be scheduled for Thursday,
February 18 at 2:00 EST, as we proudly ring our manor bell, along
with our good friend Barry, who will be ringing the bell at Princess
Margaret Hospital in Toronto, a ritual performed by patients who
have completed their last chemotherapy treatment. Join with us in
supporting Barry, as well as all those brave souls out there who are
winning the battle against cancer.

Barry, the music of the manor bell is for you, dear friend. It will be
pealing with love and hope, across the frozen Scioto.

.

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