words and music by Will Rand

Gratitude is a force of healing in the world when we choose into it. The pandemic pulled us apart from one another in an act of safety in separation. We cared for one another by being apart, but this left a mark on our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. We can confront our sense of loss and separation by choosing gratitude for all of the guardians of life who cared for us by working on the front lines to keep us safe. When we share gratitude for our lives, we may be restored to our own sense of life.

Distanced

Separate

Lost

Empty

We have been in a time of great suffering

that has begged of us

one

question

are we afraid to lose our lives?

or

have we already lost them?

sick

dying

maskless

meaningless

(Where) can we be found?

(How) can we be restored?

nurses

truck drivers

teachers

storytellers

custodians

artists

grocery workers

doctors

healers

scientists

caregivers

activists

ministers

justice keepers

restorers

vaccine makers

Thank you

guardians of life

rivers birds

oceans dogs

trees cats

sunlight squirrels

masks young ones

breath loved ones

saints precious ones

elders new ones

to all that are

thank you for being here

for we are restored

in our gratitude for you

Here is where our lives are found.