Having a client who enjoys country music I have been keeping a country station at the ready in my car for our outings. I once listened to country a lot and never imagined not listening to it, but growing through music the kids enjoyed over the years, feel so far behind listening to all the "new country". Back in the day Randy Travis, Allan Jackson, Garth Brooks and Travis Tritt and Terri Clark were the "New country" and I knew many of the songs by heart. It's weird to have the music on and NOT know the songs or many of of the words, like trying to join in a conversation and it's all a foreign language.
Recently returning from a trip to the grocery store a song played that sounded a little more familiar, but it didn't have anything to do with my knowing any of the words, it had to do with the context of the song. I found myself feeling a little sad and melancholy as it played on. It saddened me to know just how relatable it was. I guess, you know, don't cry because it's over but smile because it happened.
We've all heard "there's a first time for everything", one of my Grampa's favourite sayings, but this song was, "A last time for everything", and it really struck a chord! I could have pulled over to cry, kind of chord! It made me think, when was the last time I played with my kids, played dressup, or when was the last time my children put cookies out for Santa, when was the last time I went for a drive with my Dad? I guess there's a reason for keeping track of firsts as opposed to the lasts, we all look back and it's hard enough on the heart and very bitter sweet remembering the firsts, but trying to recall the last can feel a little like trying to swallow that jagged little pill. Dad hasn't been gone even a month but I suspect I will revisit this feeling and the sentiment of remembering firsts and lasts an awful lot.
The song rings true, there is a last time for everything, but we really don't want to think about those wonderful moments coming to an end. What we do need to think of is just making the best of every moment and first or last, party on, keep making memories, ride the wave, live in the moment and know you lived it well! I don't mind the country music and happy to know there are as many upbeat "living is good" songs as there are about that sad breakup or just bummed out by life song.
Country music or otherwise, keep a tune in your heart, keep calm and just keep living that life!
You don't have to say I LOVE YOU to relay your love for someone. If someone you are very close to , someone you've been with a long time, someone you've been through a great deal with, it is likely they know how loved they are. Without even saying the words, it is likely you are already there, the love is greatly felt. I am grateful however to be able to say it out loud, just because. I'm an emotional being and if I bottle things up it will only come out in an emotional mess....amid tears.
My heart swells up at times in saying "I love you", because I know even saying the words cannot fully convey just how deeply I care for the people I am saying it to. Each person I share those words with may be loved in a different context, but each one will know they are greatly thought of and cared for. Even if you've never uttered those words before, your loved ones will feel and know your love through your actions, moments shared, smiles shared and simply through understanding between you. 
