I love the word "windfall." It sounds like its definition. An online dictionary defines it as "a piece of unexpected good fortune." As though breezes bring something surprisingly lovely on the wings of its own refreshment. Wind. Fall.
Music brings occasional windfalls. The $100 bill in the tip bucket. The memorable wedding gig when the bride and father sing a Badfinger song - together. The friendships that start with music but become something more.
And so it has been with the Bernardi family. Several years ago, they hired us to play their daughter's wedding. An all day event, we started the festive day in the church choir loft, singing "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" in three part harmonies as the newly married couple walked back down the aisle and into their new life together.
This was a fun family.
Over the years they asked us to play functions. Work events. Surprise parties. Retirement celebrations. And (a first for us) we were asked to play the mother/grandmother's 90th birthday celebration. That day, Ann Bernardi glowed. With family surrounding her, she reveled in the festivities that brought friends, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren from miles around. Abundant food, wine and enthusiasm graced the event. It was one of those gigs that make you want to pinch your musician self. How can we be so lucky?
It was an unseasonably hot summer in New England, but the tent on the lawn kept everyone comfortable. We played to the familiar crowd, who danced and sang - and then asked if we knew "Proud Mary." We don't ... but we do (if that makes sense). We did it anyway. And there was 90 year old Ann on the dance floor singing away. "Big wheel keep on turnin'/Proud Mary keep on burnin'."
Last week, 92 year old Ann passed away. Her daughter-in-law, Diane, emailed the sad news. In turn, I emailed the band, who sent back condolences and asked about the family at last night's gig. We think of their family as part of ours. We are all, ALL, so sad -- it's hard to imagine a Bernardi party without smiling Ann, the bestower of hugs and a kiss, smack dab in the middle of the fun.
It makes me think about windfalls. About the unexpected joys that come with the musical life. Every member of the Bards think of the Bernardis as friends. We love their far-flung-yet-tight-knit clan of friends, colleagues and family. We love being part of their celebrations, helping to make memories of the important days in their lives. We rejoice at the babies who arrive. The milestones achieved.
And now we mourn their loss.
We mourn the beautiful Ann, who gave out "seeds of love" at her 90th birthday party. I planted several packets that summer. The flowers came up wild and random, healthy and colorful. I looked at them and smiled, knowing her seeds of love were everywhere -- with her family and her friends.
And in my garden.
A true windfall.
