Have you ever thought about what songs would be playing if your life were a movie.
There’s just something about songs that make the scene of movies and tv shows just that much more powerful and emotional.
Or what song would you want to play at your funeral?
I feel like that’s not something most people really think about. But my dad did. He gave my mom a list of some songs he wanted her to play at his funeral.
Sadly twelve years ago today (11/15/06) we were forced to actually start planning that funeral when his life came to an end much too soon.
We held each other close as we trekked through some of the hardest moments of our lives.
Picking out the casket and what he would want to be buried in.
Writing an obituary.
And just coming to terms with the fact that we would never see him again. It was tough.
But his song choice….
It made it a little easier.
The day that we laid my dad to rest, we rocked out to Lynard Skynards Free bird all day long. It brought us all back to the days we would crank up the music in the kitchen and he would air guitar and play the game ” Name this Artist!”
And the lyrics really spoke to us all.
“If I’d leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on, now
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see
And if I’d stayed here with you, girl
Well, things just couldn’t be the same
‘Cause I’m as free as a bird now
And this bird you cannot change
Bye, bye, baby, its been a sweet love
Though this feeling I can’t change
But please don’t take it so badly
‘Cause the good Lord knows that I’m to blame
And if I’d stayed here with you, girl
Things just could not be the same
‘Cause I’m as free as a bird now
And this bird you cannot change
No, no, I can’t change, ain’t no way that I can’t change”
Having a song at his funeral has helped us so much with the grieving process. It might sound a little silly, but it helps us to think that he’s still here.
Every time that song comes on the radio, we take it as a sign that hes watching over us.
Its been twelve years.
Some days I think of him more then others.
On this day, I think of him most.
Today I closed my eyes and tried to hear his voice, and it made me sad that I feel like I’m starting to forget what that sounded like.
But then Free Bird came on. And it made me smile, laugh and cry all at once.
I may not be able to hear his voice anymore. But I have so many memories to look back on that I will NEVER forget. AND I will always have Free Bird to help get me through.
So guys…..Pick a song. Pick a song that speaks to you. One that you want to be remembered by. A song that when it plays on the radio, your loved ones wont be able to help but stop in their tracks and think of you.
Hope you’re flying High dad!
