It was so wonderful to sing together! This is kinda how it went while I was at the podium at Dad's Celebration of Life (I've lost the notes I had with me at the time):
Hi, I'm Miki. Can everyone hear me?
Because Dad was a little corny, and because he'd nudge you and say "Pshaw!" to help you get past your embarrassment, guess what we're going to do together? [Here, several people said, "Pshaw!" which was great.] We're going to sing! [Chris Rigaux: "You don't know our family." In response, I said:] Off-key, just like Dad.
But first, I want to tell you of a small action that Dad did many times. The day would be rainy or overcast or somehow or other the weather would just not be very uplifting. Dad would put on his hat and whatever other outdoor gear was called for, and then he'd head out, saying he was going to find the switch to turn the sun back on. And guess what? He almost always did!
I woke up this past Thursday with a song running through my head, and that's what we're going to sing together. Actually, just the refrain a couple of times. Johnny Cash and many others have sung this song, so I'll bet you know it. It starts off, "You are my sunshine." And if you need to, give your neighbor a little nudge, and say, "Pshaw!"
[I asked my niece Naomi to join me at the podium to help me sing and she did and was a great comfort to me. Kevin then got us started off singing on the right key.]
You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
One more time.
[And we sang it again and the room was full to overflowing and it was really wonderful and then we applauded each other!]
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