"My house is in fall colors already so it is fun to entertain in the autumn," she said as she took our coats.

Several people mentioned in their check in that the day had been stressful, packed with meetings and back pain, deadlines and shuttling kids. 

The topic was Kindling Good Memories, and each of us brought a song. The first to talk called his daughter who played the Charlie Brown Christmas theme on the piano, while we tapped our feet and tossed our heads side to side. Since we are Baby Boomers, we all grew up on this December tradition, and could relish the pictures of Snoopy dancing and Lucy batting her eyes at Schroeder. 

Another person played a recording of a hymn from her childhood and the room filled with our four part harmony. It is still a wonder to me that the words come spilling out even if you haven't sung it in ages. Don't think, just sing. 

One woman told the story of when the song Here I Am, Lord played in church and her husband leaned in to say the perfect thing to ease her personal struggle. She wept, and still does when she hears it. Her husband described watching his wife dance joyously to the song Shake What Your Mama Gave You, and how she has blossomed over the years. 

John and I sang the piece he wrote for me called After It All, and he stepped over to the piano to play his Wedding Song. 

I wish I could offer you some of these sweet melodies. But perhaps it would be sweeter still if you took the time to listen to the ones that are nestled in your own memories.