The Power of Music

It is amazing how a song or jingle can generate so much emotion and bring back so many memories.  The other day I was in a bit of a mood (trying to get two kids out of the house when both are being disagreeable is a bit of a challenge) and was racing to our Kindermusik class.  About half way there, the song In the Summertime came on and I couldn't help but smile and chuckle.  A huge grin came over my face as I thought of my youngest sister K dancing around at my wedding.  This song was our favorite the week before my wedding and she dedicated it to me at the wedding.  As I listened I thought of that amazing and crazy time.  A tear came to my eye when I thought of how lucky I am to have a crazy and sweet sister like K.  Her gift to me for my wedding was to take the week off and work as my personal assistant.  She helped to keep me sane (it was tough at times) and we had a great time together.  My wedding was in Newport RI and my parents rented a beach house in Narragansett RI for the week of my wedding.  It was so much fun and I remember all of the times we listened to In the Summertime.  From that moment on, I was in a much better mood and I am sure my children were very thankful.

Later that day we were driving to the grocery store when an add for Fiddler on the Roof came onto the radio.  They played a snippet from Sunrise, Sunset and then Tradition.  The tears started uncontrollably flowing from my body.  I tried to stop them for Z's sake but couldn't do it.  I was sobbing and missing my sister in-law so very much.  Kiki loved the theater and acted in many local productions in the city she lived in.  The last show that we saw her in was Fiddler and hearing the music brought all of those memories back.  It is still hard for me to grasp that she is really gone.

Music is an amazing thing.  It can bring such joy and sadness to those who listen.  It can help to make you feel calm or pump you up for a good run.  Music is like a time stamp that helps us to remember certain events in our lives.  And now I leave you with a little pick me up, at least it is for me ;)