Precious Memories.......

As I think back, it seems there was always music and singing at our annual family reunions. My Mom’s brother and cousins would bring stringed instruments and pretty soon they were playing and people would start singing. As that generation got older, there would be electric stringed instruments and younger people singing. My sister and her husband sing so well together and it seems they would always sing one of my Mom’s favorite songs – Precious Memories. The only part of the song I remembered went….
“Precious memories, how they linger; how they ever flood my soul. In the stillness of the midnight, precious sacred scenes foretold.” I had no idea that song was considered a religious song - thinking it was just one of the older songs we all used to harmonize on. I only realized it was considered religious when it was played at my Mom’s funeral. Okay – so I didn’t know the words and never asked. Get over it.

I couldn’t help but think of that song after my dear friend died last night. Now we have so many precious memories – memories that will sustain us until we meet again. His family is going through all the pictures for the video that will be played at the visitation with the background music being Blue Grass – his favorite kind of music in the world.

As we wiped his brow, checked his breathing, rubbed his back all the while telling him how much we loved him and letting him know it was okay to say good-bye, another tune was playing through my head and heart that goes like this…… “Can you see, with your mind’s eye, Peoples dwelling together? Sorrow has passed. Peace at last! Life without tears and pain. Sing out with joy of heart. You too can have a part. Live for the day when you’ll say: ‘Life without end—at last!’” Love you Ike...