Music and/or writing has always been an emotional therapist for me. In this post, I combine the two.
I first heard this song, Seagull, when I was a senior in high school. It played as the background music for a video tribute in our Senior Variety Show to our classmate, Ray Linehan, who had died in a car accident earlier that Spring.
The song drove me to tears then and it still does today.
Whenever I listen to it, I fondly remember all the people in my life who have left this physical world too soon.
To me, this song tells a complex story despite its simple delivery. I am brought into the story by the narration of a guitar and a voice.
No backing band, no production, no dancers, no light show. This is music at its best.
Pure and raw. With sincerity. Emotional.
I don’t just hear this song. I feel this song.
Today, would have been my oldest brother, Matthew’s birthday. He “led me to my sorrow…” last year.
This song resonates with me because Ray was different. Bruce was different. Matthew was different. Tammy was different. Sadly, the list goes on.
And I’m sure your loved ones were unique. Graceful and beautiful when they proudly spread their wings.
“Nobody asks you where you are going. Nobody knows where you’re from…”
I share this with you because I know there are others who will be missing someone who has “flown away” from us.
Today, I will cry. A lot. Over and again.
And I’m okay with that. I will embrace the emotions. I will let them have their moments. I will not bury them. I will let them come to the surface and then I will let them go.
During this holiday season, I encourage you to give yourself moments to grieve. It’s alright to miss your loved one.
It is not a sign of weakness to cry. Rather, it is gesture of strength.
Go on and love your special Seagull!
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
Peter
