We Gather Together

November 26, 2020

By Collene Lynch

Hello friends!

We in the U.S. gather together today to thank God for our blessings. Our gatherings look different this year, as there are many empty places at our tables. Perhaps if we picture our loved ones sitting with us, eating, laughing, exchanging stories, praying and singing with us, they will seem a little closer. I imagine some of us might say we are saving their places for next year…and that brings a smile as I write this.

Growing up, our family seemed normal size, as we were one of a multitude in our neighborhood with large families…even though there were 10 siblings and 4 foster sisters, there was always room for others at our table. You can imagine how challenging it is for one of us to host the whole family when there are 65+…One year my brother decided to erect a tent, complete with heaters and rugs so we could all sit in the same ‘room’. It was wonderful! (And yes, we still brought guests!)

When I reflect on the last 8 months, I realize that the pandemic has changed us in unexpected ways. Although we have been discouraged, angry, resentful, afraid…we have also been resilient, hopeful, determined, gracious, thoughtful and very, very creative!

And when I have taken my eyes off the ground, looked up and kept my eyes open, I have seen amazing things! Some are so small, you have to look carefully to notice them…a smile behind a mask, an offer to help carry a bag, neighbors waving from their cars as they pass us walking. And there are some acts of kindness that can never be repaid.

Here is my litany of gratitude: For Mike, my one and only love; Erin and Dianne, our caring, loving, giving daughters; my larger, boisterous, hilarious family; Mom and Dad, examples of inclusiveness and welcome; our neighbors who walk with us, happy hour with us and who care for each other; our garden, which many of you have seen in the background of Mike’s videos; my many circles of friends, from church, to quilting, choir, and garden club; the gift of song; ice cream; my artsy-fartsy side; for music-sweet music; for goodness exhibited all around us and for ‘guardian angels’ who have come to our aide at the most crucial of times…yes, there is more, always more…and…

I’ve saved a gratitude for you, the ukulele community: In thanksgiving for your generous support, your lovely comments about Mike and what he has meant to you, for your graciousness if I flub up an order or the website isn’t working as well as it should. I appreciate you!

I like to flip through Mike’s arrangements and just play through them randomly (although some of you know that Finlandia is my go-to-all-time favorite). Last night I was looking for a video to share with you that would fit this day and came upon ‘We Gather Together’, from the Chord Melody Two book, so I will share that. It is a great one to start delving into chord melody because it keeps to the first 3 frets.

And so as we gather together today, aching for the smiles, hugs, jokes, stories and great food we normally share with our loved ones, I am remembering why we are separate. It is an act of love. And love wins in the end!

I wish you good health and much joy this holiday season!

Mahalo Nui Loa!

Collene

PS: I invite you to share with us one thing for which you are grateful! (If it’s a litany…all the better!)

PPS: I would have posted earlier, but the letter I wrote last night didn’t save…If you see it out their in LaLa Land…please tell it to come back!