1-2-3 Like a Bird I Sing

Music was something that filled her heart with motivation and inspiration.  While she loved music from all genres, she grew up in the 50's and 60's and along with bouffant hairdos, she especially enjoyed the music and dance moves of that period in time.  All through our childhood and even up into our adulthood, she would often lovingly grab our hands to hold them as she began to dance and show us how to jitterbug and do the mashed potato which were popular dances of that era.  It was evident by her sense of free movement and pure joy that it took her back in time to younger years when life was filled with less responsibility and reminding of sweet memories she shared dancing with her younger brother, Ron, in the living room on Saturday nights. 

In addition to dancing, she loved to sing.  Although she did not think much of her singing ability while belting out some heart felt lyrics, I truly enjoyed seeing her sweet smile when she would sing along to her favorites. 

On her first and last visit to see us in early April 2007 after we moved to Texas, she shared with us that her two favorite songs at that time were "Last Dollar (Fly Away)" by Tim McGraw and "In the Arms of An Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.  And in a rather casual conversation, she commented that she had recently dreamt about playing with the cutest blonde haired boy, but had no clue who he might be and that God had shown her that she would leave this world at a time when she was home alone.  I found this conversation to be quite odd and unsettling.  I did not want to talk about her leaving me....EVER!  Little did I know that two weeks later, all of this would make sense.

She did leave this world while at home alone.  Alone without family, yes, but not alone.  In the midst of and following her heart attack, I have no doubt the angel band was there to carry her to her eternal home to meet our glorious Lord.  Both of her favorite songs were played at her funeral and how fitting they were as she had just recently been able to fly away in the arms of an angel.  Oh, and that blonde haired little boy - he must have been Uncle Ron.  I know they have enjoyed dancing in their living room in the sky on the streets of gold together.

In quiet moments I can still feel her hands in mine when we were dancing.  And I can close my eyes and see her face when she sang - sometimes smiling, other times with a serious expression, eyes closed and singing the words as if she was the songwriter and it was her story.

Today, seven years ago, mama, as you ascended upward like a spiral flying butterfly, the words to one of your favorite songs were being carried out  - and it was your story.

1-2-3 like a bird I sing cause you've given me the most beautiful set of wings.

 Mom, Uncle Ron and Uncle Carlton 

Mom, Dad and me

Mom and me summer of 1989