Let’s gather together so we can remember the things we have forgotten, the life we share, what makes us care, and the things we have in common.
Last night, my husband and I played music for our friends’ wedding. When we discussed the wedding a few months ago with the couple, the bride said the main reason for the wedding celebration was so their families and friends could meet each other. I didn’t realize it at the time, but last night it was clear. The beautiful gathering was their gift to the people they loved—a gift to remind them of all that is good, wrapped in a wedding.
I met sons, daughters, grandchildren, cousins, brothers & sisters, fathers & mothers, and family friends. I shared a delicious meal around the table with some of them. I heard family stories. I laughed, cried tears of joy, danced, and sang. I learned something new about every person I met and a few friends I hadn’t seen in years. When Mickey took off his guitar and handed it to the groom’s brother, I watched and listened in awe, he was fantastic. I smiled while two little girls in ballerina dresses turned circles until they got so dizzy they fell on the dance floor —their dresses softening their landings in a pillow of ruffles. When the bride and groom danced their first dance to the song I Could Dance With You Forever, I was deeply moved. Even though I had written the song, it wasn’t mine anymore, it was theirs. I’ll admit, after we did the sound check the night before, I was a bit nervous about playing it. The song has a walk down that is essential, and it’s been hard for me to master on stage. Usually, Mickey handles the tricky fret work, but he was already covering the fiddle parts. I wanted it to be perfect, but when I saw them singing along to every word as they danced, I realized the song was exactly as it should be. I know better than to doubt the power of music, but sometimes, I forget the point and think it’s up to me.
After spending an evening in a room filled with so much joy and love, my heart feels bigger today. I live in an amazing world filled with amazing people. One thing I know for sure is that there is always enough love. It’s something we will never run out of. That’s the point of everything you and I do—love.
And when I gather with others, I remember.
Gather
by Trisha Leone Sandora
Let’s gather together so we can remember
Things we have forgotten
The life we share
What makes us care
The things we have in common
Let’s gather together so we can hear
A familiar voice again
Tell stories and songs
Of times long gone
And we can all remember when
Let’s gather, let’s gather
Let’s gather together again
Let’s gather, let’s gather
Let’s gather together so we can laugh
And revive our sense of humor
We’ll sit together, talk about the weather
And our big plans for the future
Let’s gather together so we can share
A meal around the table
Watch the sun set low
Til the darkness grows
And the stars will come out to join us
Let’s gather, let’s gather
Let’s gather together again
Let’s gather, let’s gather
Let’s gather together so we can warm
Our hands around the fire
Share silent gazes to faraway places
Where together we’ll fly higher
Let’s gather again so we can remember
We’re all in this together
We belong, and we’re so much stronger
When we hold on to each other
Let’s gather, let’s gather
Let’s gather together again
Let’s gather, let’s gatherListen to the song Gather below or on Bandcamp