On Thursday evening I attended a memorial service for my Aunt Dale, my mom's oldest sister. It was a lovely service, full of beautiful music and shared memories. My mom and her sisters (and brothers) have loved each other throughout their entire lifetimes, from childhood to old age--quite an accomplishment, I think. My dad and his sister Irene are the same--still the best of friends and watching out for each other in their eighties. I hope the same will be true for me and my sister and brothers, and especially for my children. Nothing brings a smile to my heart more than when I see my kids love each other, which they definitely do.Am I weird (yes), or does attending funerals make everyone think of their own inevitable death? I know it will be my turn someday, to take my last breath and say my goodbyes. I hope that day won't arrive for quite a few decades yet, but that memorial service got me thinking about the music I would want to be played at a service to honor my life. I asked Jon several years ago to promise me that he would play the piano at my funeral. (I don't remember if he promised, but I believe he will do that for me.) There is no music on earth that has ever pleased me more than listening to Jon play.
Maybe you can play more than one piece Jon. In fact, maybe you can be the entire program. But here's a piece to give serious consideration. (It was written for strings, but with or without them, I would love it.) Ashokan Farewell is one of the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard, and the words really touch something in my heart. You all know I am very bad at goodbyes, especially ones when it is uncertain when we will meet again. The words to Ashokan Farewell express my constant hope that we will remember our love, and keep it alive, until we reunite. However, and wherever, and whenever that may be.
Ashokan Farewell
Music by Jay Ungar
Words by Grian MacGregor
The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan.
The pines and the willows know soon we will part.
There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken,
And a love that will always remain in my heart.
My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter,
The magic of moving as one,
And a time we'll remember long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done.
Will we climb the hills once more?
Will we walk the woods together?
Will I feel you holding me close once again?
Will every song we've sung stay with us forever?
Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?
Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping
Over the lake the stars shine.
They wonder if you and I will be keeping
The magic and music, or leave them behind.
