Thankfully, others knew their way around this dance, and as they rose, spoke, and slowly seated themselves, the room’s silence began to feel hypnotic. Friends, family, and teachers told stories, shared memories, drew laughs—a natural harmony emerged, like overtones shimmering from a plucked string. Stacy and I caught each other’s eye in wonder. I even rose to say something, moved only by inspiration. I don’t recall a word, but I can still feel the warmth that flooded me upon sitting down.
