Our minds associate music with memories. Music stimulates more parts of the brain than any other human function. Music can make you feel joyful, relaxed, impassioned...in some cultures it's actually used to ease pain.
I find that listening to music can be both joyful and heartbreaking. Some songs are like looking at William's precious face in pictures...sometimes I desperately need to, other times it's just too painful.
For those who don't know me, I never listen to the radio. I think I am alone in this, as all the other adults in my home have something they tend to gravitate to, at least somewhat. Not me. So if I hear a new song or expand my musical awareness, it's because someone has given me a song. Usually it's Sarah. 😍
She recently had me listen to 2 songs that had a powerful impact. The first, Just Fall by Anthem Lights. The lyrics got me...
"I would dive into canyons to save you
And climb up the highest skyscraper as pressure would drop
If it meant that all your pain would stop.
I can see that October's been heavy
And how much you wish that the floor would be steady below.
I know it hurts more than you show.
But when it feels like nobody cares
And you're drowning, nobody's there,
And you're grasping at nothing but air...
You can just fall into me."
That one got me. Hard. I mean, how many people have had their world fall out from under them in October? More than I know, I guess, but it feels like it was written for me.
But I think this other one she showed me is my current favorite: The Other Side, Colton Dixon. I imagine William in his new freedom. Well, not so new, I guess. How does it still feel like he just flew home yesterday?
He sure did love being a big brother. And a little brother, for that matter. But he just really loved babies. Well, I guess he just really loved people, in general.
I can't wait to see him on the other side...
"Everybody's dressed in black, the preacher's saying life goes too fast
The memories have turned to tears, thinking back on all the years
I know that you're in a better place, but I'm still here missing you today
It isn't easy to say goodbye, but I know it's only for a little while
Run up ahead and I will catch up, 'cause I'm gonna see you when tomorrow comes
On the other side, on the other side
I bet you feel you're finally home, running down those streets of gold
The kind of peace you can't explain looking into Jesus' face
I know that you're in a better place, I know I'll be joining you someday
It isn't easy to say goodbye, but I know it's only for a little while
Run up ahead and I will catch up, 'cause I'm gonna see you when tomorrow comes
On the other side
Where there are no more goodbyes; no more pain, no more tears left to cry
We will join with the angels singing their song, praising our Savior, all the day long
It isn't easy to say goodbye, but I know it's only for a little while
Run up ahead and I will catch up, 'cause I'm gonna see you when tomorrow comes
On the other side, on the other side
On the other side, on the other side"
