Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Rainbow Connection

Today was one of those days you wish you could avoid but inevitably have to face. These days are always full of tears mixed with laughter and some fun memories.
Last week a friend of mine, Mike Nebeker, passed away. He was/is a such a good guy. Today, at his funeral, I was thinking really hard about Mike and great memories we had together. I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. I love that I have the advantage of knowing that Mike is on the other side making many others smile ear to ear; I think it makes the passing easier.
The funeral service was definitely a celebration of life; Mike's life. His siblings shared memories of Mike that made me feel closer to him. It's always fun to hear about someone's childhood years. One thing I learned about Mike (it was made obvious that maybe I should have known) was his love of the Muppets. Honestly, though, who can't love the Muppets. Kermit is the cutest frog and the only frog I secretly wish to kiss. Because of Mike's love for the Muppets, it was only appropriate to have a musical number that was Muppet related. Frank Chang, a member of my ward, put together a piano piece of The Rainbow Connection. On the back of the program were the words and I was able to follow along with the piano. This song struck me deep inside and I wanted to share the words with you:

Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it;
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, The Rainbow Connection;
The Lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it;
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, The rainbow Connection;
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
All of us under it's spell; We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, The Rainbow Connection;
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Thank you Mike for all your memories and AWESOME ribs. You will be missed here on Earth. God be with you til we meet again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM

2 comments:

Erin said...

this is a sweet post. I am sorry for your loss, but knowing the plan and where Mike is makes things easier, doesn't it?
I also love the Muppets, and have been struck profoundly as well from other Muppet songs. One called, "I'm going to go back there someday," has a deep spiritual meaning for me. Do yourself a favor and look it up. Also, "Bless us all" from Muppet christmas carol is a personal favorite. I think Jim Henson was on to something!

Suzi Hardy said...

How sweet. I went and listened to the song because it has always been one of my favorites too, and also the ones the Erin mentioned already.
I am so grateful for the gospel and the blessing of eternal life!