<div dir="ltr"><div>Dear Marianna and family, <br><br></div><div>I remember the summer of 1972 when we made the great MOVE in huge moving vans. Our van took us to Oklahoma <span id="gmail-m_5005138311746477358gmail-m_-2098095722036306591:143.1">CIty</span>,
Tulsa and finally Amarillo where our family was to live. I remember
coming to Oklahoma City for regional meetings and was always
inspired by you, Marianna and Bill. Bill seemed to take everything in
stride - covering the logistical bases and rituals and yet doing it with ease, You,
Marianna, the gracious hostess, making sure that each one was cared for
throughout the weekend. There were many more gifts that you each brought to the Order. And, then, of course, the Oklahoma City house
itself with it's lovely stained glass window. Although we each had our
own roles and persona, I will always think of Bill and Marianna in one
breath. Why does this stay with me?? It always felt true for
Fred and me. But now, I am on my own and find it to be yet another
thrilling adventure with Fred's memory forever present.<br></div><div><br>I
read the stories of Bill's memorial service with deep appreciation. I
sang along as I read the names of the songs that were sung or played
during the service and the song that was playing as Bill took his final
breath. That one brought a bit of a smile from me. <br><br>Our Order songs
carry so much beauty, depth care and motivation for me. Over the nearly
10 years as we developed Songaia Community, our newly created song
book held many Order songs. New Community Bound became the community
hymn, along with Harmabee, Rainbow Trail, some of the love songs, and a
few others. However, as Patricia Newkirk and I were trying to bring
new songs into our community memory, I stumbled across BELIEVE. We
have been singing it ever since Our Annual Community meeting in January.
One of my neighbors, Marilyn said, "why have you been keeping this song
from us?". We sing it quite well! And, it seems so suited to our times, right?<br><br></div><div>I am sending you two items - one is to a link of a song that is just for you, Marianna and the other is poem. That one is for your family. I hope each of these speak to your hearts as we share the grief of our loss. <br><br></div><div>With love and many hugs, <br></div><div>Nancy<br></div><div><br><a href="http://songsforthegreatturning.net/songs-of-gratitude/the-beauty-of-the-dancer">http://songsforthegreatturning.net/songs-of-gratitude/the-beauty-of-the-dancer</a><br></div><br></div>