‘In Spite of Ourselves’

Covid taught us how dear showing up "in the flesh" is, and how family, friendship, and rituals define who we are.

John Prine at MerleFest (2006). Photo by Ron Baker.

By Michael Judge

I recently attended a funeral for a friend’s father and was moved by the beauty and necessity of the ritual—gathering under one roof to share stories, songs, prayers, a meal. All this seemed necessary not just for the family, but for those who know and love the family—friends, neighbors,…