A Love Song

During a particularly difficult time for me at a personal level (I was working many long hours while attempting to care for my two young children then 4 and 5) I began to feel overwhelmed and out of touch with what was important.  I know there are many of you in this position – managing work, obligations at home, managing family schedules, doctors visits, grocery shopping, not to mention finding time to shower.

It was after a long day that I realized how much I was missing my own children. that day  My work had consisted of me spending many hours with other people’s wonderful children, cooing their names and encouraging them to move and imitate me.  However, my children were in daycare.

On this day I felt heart-sick.  I love my children so much and when I see them in the evenings they are not getting my best songs, my best music, my best smile, my best behaviour – they are getting the remnants from the day.

When I arrived at the daycare to pick them up, my daughter jumped up to hug me and my son wrapped his arms around me. The two of them seemed so happy to see me (I needed that that day).  They happily got in the car and did up their own seatbelts (you remember how exciting that can be) and told me stories of the great day they had had.  I couldn’t stop crying.  I told the children how much I had missed them and I looked forward to having dinner together.

As we pulled into the gas station on the way home (one more thing I had to do that day) I waited for the attendant to fill my tank.  It was in that moment when a song came into my mind.  I quickly jotted down the words and later that evening after the children had gone to bed, I finished writing the song and recorded it.

First thing in the morning, before I played a note to anyone else, I asked my children to sit in their chairs. I began to sing the song I had written the night before. I told them it was my special love song for them.

After I sang it I looked into their eyes and told them that this song will always be theirs.  They again wrapped their arms around me and said how much they loved me.  As I prepared to write this article I took out my CD and listened to it again.  The memories of that rough day and the delight of the morning after came rushing back.

Here are the words to the song I wrote that day.  If they affect you positively do not hesitate to contact me and I will send you a complimentary Mp3 via email.

I love you, you here within me rocking so gently

Everyday will be so brand new

I’m so glad that you’ll be here soon.

I love you, you who are sleeping, peacefully dreaming

As the stars light up the sky

I am blessed to know you are mine.

No matter what this world may bring to you

I pray that my God will watch over you.

I love you, you who will kiss me and hug me freely

Because of you my heart will sing,

Joy to my life you bring

No matter what this world may bring to you

I pray that my God will watch over you

I love you, you who makes music with your soul and your spirit

Oh I love you, you who are right here.

HOME EXERCISE

Choose a melody you know well.  Write out all the words and then begin to change the words to write your own love song to your child or children.  Your children do not have to be 4 and 5, they could be 40 and 42.  Writing a love song to your children (and singing it to them – or just to yourself) is great therapy for all of us.