My brother, who rode to work with my dad during the last summer dad was alive, confirmed there was country music in dad's car, but it was mostly talk radio he listened to - Warren Frieberg and Paul Harvey. I recall several songs that stuck out. In the Country genre...You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Lucille, by Kenny Rogers. Most of dad's favorites were NOT country hits...Freddie Fender's, Feliz Navidad. Dad LOVED that song. Oh, Lord It's Hard to be Humble (When You are Perfect in Every Way), by Mac Davis. For some odd reason he also really liked Pink Floyd's, Another Brick in the Wall. Eclectic tastes? Self discovery noted! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!
What a crazy mix of music! When we were really young, on Sunday after church, we'd go visit one of the grandparent households. The music of choice on Sunday...Polkas. I swear, Polkas! There were Chicago radio stations that we could just barely receive on the car tuner. Polish victory when The Beer Barrel Polka came on, or I Don't Want Her You Can Have Her (she's too fat for me), and In Heaven There is No Beer (that's why we drink it here).
The song that makes me recall my dad the most? Stevie Wonder's, I Just Called to Say I Love You. When I hear that song, I am sure it's my dad's way of reaching down from the heavens and telling me his spirit is still in my heart.
I wonder what song/s might trigger that reaction in my own children?
*****
When I was in my early 20's, my dad died and my brother and I were old enough to be off to college. Our baby sister was still at home, she was just five years old. My brother and I lived together for almost two years during college. We rented a house and had a third roomie; a friend from high school. It was Three's Company in reverse. During that time, mom wouldn't call as regularly as I thought she should. She didn't check in and I was miffed. Did she NOT care??? My brother and I talked about it. We compared notes, "Have you heard from mom?" "When did you talk to mom last?" Sometimes we'd wait her out..."I'm NOT calling her!" Our poor mom, when she did call, we'd give her the third degree topped with a little snotty attitude.
Today, I finally get it. I love my kiddos, but I have faith that I have raised them to be independent, capable souls. Now, is the time for me to worry about me, and not worry about them. I will always worry, but I'm not worried! My oldest nephew is heading off to college in a few short months. I'm sure my brother will go through the same separation that I did, the same separation our mother experienced. It is how life is supposed to happen.
When Katy Perry, or Ed Sheeran, or Vampire Weekend or fill in the blank, come on in a grocery store, elevator or the radio...I hope my kids will smile and say, "Our mom...her music choices...and laugh."
I miss my parents. I'm glad I have my siblings with whom I can share awesome memories.
Tonight's blogging music: Vampire Weekend, Ed, Katy, and my Disney playlist which includes: Baroque Hoedown (Electric Parade Theme Music from Disney World), Tapestry of Nations (Epcot's World Showcase fireworks music), The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Lion King), Let It Go, Reindeer(s) are Better than People (Frozen), Something That I Want (Tangled), Zero to Hero, I Can Go the Distance (Hercules), Two Worlds, You'll Be in My Heart (Tarzan)....and other wonderful, bouncy songs!!!
~Lisa Kroll, age 52, 10 weeks and one day...
It's official...I've outlived my dad!
Woo Hoo for small victories! Time to really live now.
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