Today You Are Here

When I first envisioned writing a blog about my journey with Gary, I saw it as a way to memorialize his life—who he is, who he has been, and who he is becoming. I wanted to capture everything—his work as a musician, potter, artist, teacher, skier and his roles as philosopher, counselor, brother, son, neighbor, band member, friend and lover. Even though I am now his closest companion, I know but a fraction of his story—so I ask everyone reading this to help me to write it. I want this blog to serve as a container to hold the stories, memories and emotions we have experienced with Gary and how he has touched our lives.

The title for the blog came easily to me. It is a line from a song that Gary wrote, Sitting in the Cascades.

Today you are here.
Tomorrow you’ll be there, 
And I can feel you everywhere.

Gary told me Sitting in the Cascades became somewhat of a theme song for Holden Village while he worked there as a pottery instructor. He played it hundreds of times with different Holden musicians. Here is a recording of it he made with friends at Holden. It is one of the songs he compiled on a CD and I’ll share more of the songs in future blogs.

I don’t know the date of the recording or the musicians playing with him. If anyone can fill in the blanks, please do! Share it with any Holdenites who might enjoy hearing it. I know many people have told Gary over the years that they would love to hear the song again as it brings back fond memories of the magic and beauty of Holden.

Our wedding Saturday was just perfect and there were many things I loved about it. One of them was the music, performed by Laramie artist Timothy John. He sang many of his original songs and also Sitting in the Cascades. What a joy to hear Gary’s song performed as an prelude to our vows.

You’ll be a mirror for me. And I’ll be a mirror for you.
Together we will see love’s reflection in the pool.

It took a village to put together the wedding ceremony and I am so grateful for my family, Gary’s family, our friends, the St. Matthew’s church community and the blessings of the Holy Spirit and angels who surrounded us on that day! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!