In the end, love and friendships are all that matter in life.
Recently, I noticed my wife listening to a song on Pandora, something I had heard before and yet could not place. It was a solo banjo piece (called "The Great Remember - for Nancy) written by Steve Martin. Haunting and so melancholy. Several weeks later, just now, I have found that song, and read more about its meaning. Oh my.
Steve has been friends for many years with Martin Short. I smile just thinking about "Father of the Bride" and the way those two made for such a fun film. As it turns out, and I was unaware of, Martin Short lost his wife Nancy several years ago to ovarian cancer. They were married for many years, and together raised their three adopted children. Those kids have done well, one graduating from NYU, and two from Notre Dame.
Steve has been quoted about the song,
“That sounds like a song that could take lyrics, but I actually talked it over with my wife and … lyrics almost come to a listener and that’s why I actually didn’t write lyrics for it, because the mood is so clear in the song. I didn’t really want to ruin it with lyrics. I didn’t want to direct the listener one way or another because it’s such an emotional song.”
A touching love story - a great loss - and Steve's song for his friend Martin. All so bittersweet. Such is life itself.
My wife is named Nancy. She has had a brush with cancer, by undeserved grace she is by my side today. This song always sort of stopped me in my tracks, I never want it to end.
Now I know why. I think this melody may always be playing softly in the background of my life. Thanks Steve Martin; blessings to you Martin Short.
Here, the music speaks for these deep emotions in an entirely touching and mysterious way.....
My Dad was a WWII pilot, about which I have written here before.
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return."
Leonardo da Vinci
This video is remarkable, and speaks of the graceful humility of a current Southwest pilot, and the quiet service of another WWII vet, born the same year as my Dad.
In an age of brash, offensive, and seemingly thoughtless politicians and business leaders, this is what service, humility, and leadership really look like. Forgive me, but men such as these are what helps make America a great place.
Annual Update of the Scattered Norris Clan
Another year has passed, and thus the time when we share a bit of our lives with those dear in a simple letter. If for just a moment, might you pause in the midst of the Holiday whirlwind to sit with us; to stop, and take stock, reflect on the passing of time, and give thanks for it all, both the bitter and the sweet? And in giving thanks we remember the greatest gift of all, the unexpected child born in a barn, who changed the course of our lives and all history.
This year I thought we might bring to you the events of our individual lives by sharing less of the accomplishments of us each, but more by the visceral - what we have seen, or sensed, felt in our hearts, witnessed with awe, and perhaps shared together in the past year. And so, from many points on the compass, are the experiences of Nancy, Kelly, Heather and Steve during 2015.
Nancy
“Each year I always feel like there are always many joys to share, sorrows to lament and multiple ways that, if I am paying attention, I might see beautiful ways that God truly inhabits the majestic and the mundane. This year was no exception. It was a honor to witness and celebrate the marriages of five couples: always a reminder of my commitment and covenant with Steve, now for 27 years. My heart was full and proud standing before a crowd of almost 1,400 at the Club 21 Walk-a-thon in October, each person present a believer in the possibilities of the lives of each child with Down syndrome. Another time, holding a new born baby that belongs to a young and homeless mama: praying for provision and protection for this little life. Then, feeling the cold Fall air and sea mist on my face as I rode the ferry, alone across the Puget Sound to Vashon Island. Being with our girls is one of my biggest joys, hands down, each time more precious as their careers, school, and grown up responsibilities rightly require their full attention."
Kelly
“A year of transition. A whirlwind of change. I said a final goodbye to my sweet Chicago. I taste Texas BBQ. I swim in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea in the same day. I feel -30 degree wind chill. I hear 60,000 Huskies chant "Go Dawgs!". I feel small at 36,000 feet over the Rocky Mountains. I see the sunrise over South Central every morning. As a teacher now, I have six different days every day. I pay more attention to detail. I have learned routine can be taken for granted. I face my privilege head-on. I embrace my tribe with more intent. A year of new adventures ahead with much to be grateful for.”
Heather
“I remember riding my bike through Dublin, the Irish wind at my back. Gazing across the wonderland of the Swiss Alps, and sharing Tuscan wine with new friends on the streets of Florence; that semester of traveling Europe and doing life on my own, away from anything comfortable and familiar. My first Seattle summer; camping, boat rides, lake days and re-entering my community of deep friendships. Now, my last year of undergrad, preparing for Nursing school and cherishing sweet friends. Doing all of this with the One who makes me who I am. A year of many firsts and lasts, facing the unknown and learning to trust.”
Steve
I remember feeling the Irish wind and sea spray on my face on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, of being surrounded by the beautiful warm folk music of Ireland in a cozy pub on a chilly night, and then trodding the soft earth of the churchyard in East Anglia where my 11th generation ancestor is laid to rest, and of visiting the home in Weymouth where Nancy’s great-great grandfather was raised in the late 1800s. I recall peels of soft thunder aloft and bright lightning one August twilight in Toronto. I smile as I recall the laughter of a business dinner in Alexandria, Virginia with a former Jesuit from New England, an Anglican from London, and a Jew from Brazil discussing both the nature of God and the importance of business ethics. Rich conversations, deep friendships. Thanksgiving dinner with dear friends in Seattle with frost on the ground outside. And more recently, the feel of my 87 year old Aunt’s hand in mine as she approaches her final transition of life, a woman still gracious, laughing, and deeply grateful for a rich life well lived. Reflecting on the remarkable lives of two daughters, one now teaching special education with passion, love and dedication in the inner city, and another focusing on finishing her senior year of college well.
The bitter and the sweet, the laughter and the tears, all good things, all mysteries in a way, all part of the Kingdom here and now. From our home to yours, we wish you much love, a very Merry Christmas, and wishes for a bright and peaceful New Year.
As this is the blog version of our old-fashioned paper letter, I thought I might share something visual that we love, and might give us all a peek into the real gift of Christmastide ..... love:
