Ever had a song, a fragrance or box of cereal stir you to tears? It’s been 19 years since my mom’s sudden graduation to heaven. So, how could Mother’s Day week and a song be the catalyst for tears in my grilled chicken tenderloin salad? Sounds like a country music song.
This week a classic Simon and Garfunkel tune came to mind, and took me right back to my mom’s living room, playing her rustic upright piano. It was “59th Street Bridge Song” better know as “Feelin’ Groovy.” If you were born after 1970, Google it. This whimsical melody will surely be the coolest 2 minutes and 8 seconds of your day.
Anytime I’d sit down to sing and hammer out tunes on the black piano my mom, Beazy would request this song. Every time. Never fail. My rendition was by any standard, a hot mess. But for some reason Beazy would request an encore. 100% of the time. Forever and always. Funny how she’s the only one who ever asked for an encore.
So, at lunch I innocently Googled “Feeling Groovy,” to hear the cheerful lyrics for the first time in a long time. From out of nowhere, I was overcome by tears streaming right down my face and into the chicken tenderloin salad.
What’s crazy about this scenario is that I write books to help other help people figure out life after loss. Surely one day the tears will stop, right? I kind of hope not.
If you’re missing someone this Mother’s Day week, I want you to know You Are Not Alone!
Later this afternoon, an overwhelming urge came over me. It was a brilliant bouquet of Gerber Daisies calling my name right from the Bi-Lo floral department. I’m certain Mom would have wanted me to have these colorful creations.
Beazy’s outlook on life, opinions and taste in flowers were never ever boring or beige.
If you’re missing someone this Mother’s Day week, what are you doing to celebrate their legacy? I’m pretty sure Beazy would tell you to go ahead and do it, eat it, drink it or buy it.
Please share Your ideas in the comments!
* It was a great honor to be part of a special Mother’s Day Edition of The Longest Dance Podcast. Host, Colleen Kavanaugh and I invite you to give it a listen for a few nuggets of encouragement and hopefully a little nostalgic groovy-ness.
