Many years ago
in the small town of Walton-on-Thames, a baby girl arrived to loving parents,
who named her Julia Elizabeth – one name for each grandmother.
Little did
these parents, or the baby girl for that matter, know that in a few years the
world would have changed, for England soon would be at war, and that little
girl would be asked to listen for German bombs and warn her family and
neighbors of their coming.
Nor could
these parents have imagined that not long after, their child would be singing
on stage for the King of England. From there, she would go on to great fame,
becoming one of the most loved performers of all time.
Today,
seeing the glorious opening of The Sound
of Music again on the big screen, we are reminded that something grand, a
never-to-be-forgotten beauty was created by this much loved artist. It is a
splendor that lifts our spirits.
I was eleven,
when I first saw The Sound of Music
in a movie theater. Dazzled by Julie Andrews, I had no idea that in seven years
I would have the honor of spending nearly a hundred hours watching her at work
as she taped her television series The
Julie Andrews Hour.
I came from
a theatrical family, but though I had experience on stage, I was so shy, I had
trouble speaking to strangers. Because of this, few believed I could have a stage
career. My high school acting teacher may have been the only one to see the
possibility in me.
Seeing how hard she worked, I began to think
that maybe, just maybe, if I worked hard I might really be able to do
something. Because of her example right there before me, I began to have faith
in myself. Within a month I was taking singing lessons.
Dear Julie,
the only gift I can give you on this your ninetieth birthday (unbelievable as
that is) is to say thank you! Your work ethic and beauty as an artist were a
catalyst in my life when I so needed one. When few believed in me, you helped me
move forward and gave me faith that with hard work the artist I felt in my heart
could come to be.
Today, I
join millions of people in wishing you a Happy Birthday for the laughter, joy,
and uplifting beauty you have given us these many years. Congratulations!
