On Friday, I played a song for my friend Heidi. She made the request in an email several months ago. She said the last time she saw us (Travelin’ Kind, the music duo of my husband and I), we played a song about getting on a train. She thought I had written the song and asked if I would share the lyrics with her.
She was referring to the song People Get Ready written by Curtis Mayfield. It was originally released in 1965 by the Impressions and has been covered by various artists, including Bob Marley, the Chambers Brothers, and Bob Dylan. However, it wasn’t until I saw it performed by Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart that it lit me up and settled in as a staple on our setlist. I love the music video of this song as well. If you haven’t seen it, here is a link—People Get Ready.
I emailed Heidi back and gave her a little information about the song. She quickly followed up with a request. She asked if we would play the song at her funeral. I paused for a moment after I read her words. I had never been asked to do anything like that. Within a few minutes, I answered back, “of course.”
As we were driving back from Maryland earlier this week, I got the message that her passing was imminent. She died two days later. The funeral was scheduled for Friday. My husband was sick that morning, so I played the song solo with my acoustic guitar, using the pulpit microphone. As I sang, I felt as if she was singing through me, sending her family and friends an important message from the other side. It made me smile. She orchestrated the service perfectly. She had selected each song, the order in which they would be played, and who would speak on her behalf, she stitched the quilt in her coffin and picked out the flowers, and the colors. The funeral was the perfect opportunity for her to showcase the beautiful work of art she had created with her one precious life, and to offer her encouragement one last time to those she loved. On Friday, her masterpiece was complete and all the final touches had been made.
As I made the hour-long drive back home, I was thankful and honored that I had the opportunity to play a small part in her life.
That same night, I watched the Pixar movie Coco. After all, it was November 1st, the Day of the Dead. Through the story of a young boy who is an aspiring musician, the movie emphasizes the importance of family and remembering loved ones who have passed away. However, this time, when I watched it, I had a new appreciation for all the beauty and attention the characters took in honoring their ancestors for the Day of the Dead celebration—the flowers, decorations, photographs, and food.
I know how feelings of loss are strong and at times can feel unsurmountable. I also know that joy, beauty, and laughter are always accessible through stories, songs, memories, and even photographs. They work hand in hand. Taking time to honor the lives of each other and those who came before allows us a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the amazing gift of life.
Shine On by Trisha Leone The last words you said Echo through my head Your texts are still on my phone We didn’t say goodbye And I’ll never know why You’re the one who had to go Some stars shoot across the sky And light the world on fire as they go by Some fade out of sight while others still burn bright And keep on shining, they just keep shining And I’ll shine on for you, I’ll shine on for me Oh I’ll shine on for you, I’ll shine on for me and for everyone who needs to see A little guiding light to get them through the night I’ll shine on, I’ll shine on A heavy chunk of coal Smolders deep inside my soul It just needs little air to get it going Breathe in, breathe out Sometimes it’s all I can do, But it’s enough to get that ember glowing Some stars shoot across the sky And light the world on fire as they go by Some fade out of sight while others still burn bright And keep on shining, they just keep shining And I’ll shine on for you, I’ll shine on for me Oh I’ll shine on for you, I’ll shine on for me and for everyone who needs to see A little guiding light to get them through the night I’ll shine on, I’ll shine on I didn’t come this far for nothing, Just to be the one who survives There’s so much livin' left to do, If you were here I know just what you’d do You would shine on, yeah you'd shine one
Shine On or listen on Bandcamp