Growing up, mom played records every Saturday and Sunday. I knew the words but never the artist or record. She loved music. She was one of those people who made odd but masterful compilation cds - helping you appreciate each song more because of the contrast and progression. I have been listening to her eclectic collection, soon to be divided among me and my siblings.
Just a few of my favorites:
· As Time Goes By – Jimmy Durante
· Cry to Me – Solomon Burke
· Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – The Platters
· Sailing – Christopher Cross
· Blue Skies – Ella Fitzgerald
· Always on My Mind – Willie Nelson
· As Time Goes By – Jimmy Durante
· Cry to Me – Solomon Burke
· Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – The Platters
· Sailing – Christopher Cross
· Blue Skies – Ella Fitzgerald
· Always on My Mind – Willie Nelson
Listening to Louis Armstrong sing it’s a wonderful world, one of 
my mom’s favorites, is a bittersweet moment for me - harder than I thought it would be. But then so has this year. Sometimes I wish time would just stop for moments of great joy as well as great pain. But it doesn’t. You have to grieve in the midst of life – or maybe I should say, live in the midst of grieving.
my mom’s favorites, is a bittersweet moment for me - harder than I thought it would be. But then so has this year. Sometimes I wish time would just stop for moments of great joy as well as great pain. But it doesn’t. You have to grieve in the midst of life – or maybe I should say, live in the midst of grieving.I find it wierd that life just keeps going as if nothing has changed. This music plays in my head and it seems strange because I associate much of it with her. You hear people say, "its as if the music died with them", and I understand what they mean, only it didn't. It plays on - and it hurts, but I love it.
2 comments:
Hey John, several of those songs on your list are songs I associate with my mom and my childhood, particularly "What A Wonderful World." We played that song at my mom's funeral 5 years ago. And I still hurt when I listen to it. Music is such a bittersweet thing. I regularly marvel at how certain pieces can take me back to a specific time, place, or person, and how music speaks to my heart in a way nothing else does. This blog struck a chord with me. Today I am right there with you.
John,
This is your cousin, we have never met. It is sad to me that I have first cousins who I have not yet had the privilege of knowing. While I also never got to be close to your Mom because of the distance, I did have the honor of calling her my Aunt. The memories that I do have are all very fond and it doesn't seem real that I won't have the opportunity to create more memories with her. I want to thank you for allowing me to know her better through your blog. Even more importantly, it has given me a chance to learn more about a cousin I have never met. I am amazed by what a wonderful person you are and how lovely your family is. My hope is that I will get to know you better.
Much love,
Sidra
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