Why does music move my heart to feel emotions with such intensity?  Tonight as I sit here relaxing and listening to some of my favorite songs I am awash with emotions and memories.

 

Bobby Darin singing “Moon River” reminds me of my Mom. She really preferred the Andy Williams’ version, but she enjoyed that song and it brings back memories of Mom humming along with the stereo while preparing supper in the kitchen.

 

The Beatles singing “Let It Be” bring back memories of high school and one of the boys I dated.  The music of the 70’s signifies the rebellion of youth.  That reminds me of the struggles of adolescence and the misery of high school.  I wouldn’t go back and re-live that time.  Some of you would gladly go back, not me.  I like where I’m standing now.

 

Celine Dion’s “Taking Chances” makes me ask myself, “What do you say to taking chances?”  For me, waking up each day is taking a chance.  After all of the cancer and Parkinson’s I think that I am stepping out there each day, taking chances that I wonder if I can meet?

 

The instrumental version of “When I Fall in Love” by Chris Botti makes me stop and think of the times I was in love, the times my heart has been broken, and now finally, how I know that I have fallen in love for what I predict to be the final time in my life.  The mellow notes of the trumpet strike a chord with my heart tonight.

 

“Up On the Roof” by James Taylor evokes waves of relief that flow over me.  This song brings me back to the deck that was on the top of the house we lived in at Bailey’s Prairie.  The humidity, mosquitoes and trees with moss hanging down seem so real when I hear this song.  “At night, the stars, they put on a show for free.  And Darling, you can share it all with me.”  In my mind, being back on that deck represents a freedom in my mind and heart that I rarely find now.

 

He also sings a gentle ballad, “You Can Close Your Eyes”.  “Well, the sun is slowly sinking down, but the moon is slowly rising.  So, this old world must still be spinning round, and I still love you.”  Those lyrics remind me of the many; many times I rocked my son and my daughter to sleep singing to them.  I remember their sweet scent when they were so little.  Josh’s head always broke into a sweat when he finally drifted off.  That’s how I knew he was asleep.  Meagan’s body relaxed and went totally limp giving me her signal that I could put her in the crib. Those were sweet times and I’m thankful for them, just as I am now thankful that my children are grown adults.

 

J. T’s “The Frozen Man” gives me a little slice of humor.  He sings of the sailor frozen in the ice and then thawed out.  Perhaps that’s like having Parkinson’s Disease.  Some days I’m frozen and cannot move, and others I seem to move alright.  Looking at my past from the perspective I have now reminds me to give it all away and minimize my lifestyle.  There’s always the promise of reconciliation with my Lord that I am also reminded of when I hear this song.

 

“The Water is Wide” by J.T. reminds me that I am not in this alone.  “Love is handsome and love is fine.  The sweetest flower when first it’s new.  But love grows old and waxes cold, and fades away like summer dew.”  “Build me a boat that can carry two, and both shall row, my love and I.”

 

This is just a list of a few of my favorites.  These are slower, melodic ballads and they are just right to hear before going to bed. Good night.