09/17/24 LOSS OF LOVED ONES IS A HEARTACHE

09/17/24 LOSS OF LOVED ONES IS A HEARTACHE

From time to time I remember daddy singing songs to me. One was, "You Are My Sunshine."

Many a time I'd love to have heard him sing that to me again, wrapping his arms around me and hugging me. He was not a great singer but I believed it when he sang those words. He would also sing, "Come And Sit By My Side If You Love Me" (Red River Valley).

Red River Valley was written in 1896 and You Are My Sunshine was written before 1940. They were popular songs, sung by popular singers. But my favorite was daddy singing it to me. I was born in 1947, therefore my music came from the 50s and 60s. But when I think of those two songs, I am moved as much as any other pop music.

In fact, I use to sing those songs to my own children. I also meant it when I sang to them. In fact (again), I use to sing these songs to my precious grandchildren. I am not sure who remembers what, but I remember holding them close and wishing they could know how much I loved them.

Time has fled away, and daddy is gone. I only have memories and private moments wishing I could hear and hold him again... and sometimes I think about me and my little ones, sitting, laughing, singing, playing and "going to church together."

Daddy was not a Christian most of his life. I have hoped that he became one in his last years. Still, I knew he loved me. I think there are countless moms and dads (and grands) today who quietly hope that they are remembered lovingly by all of their precious little ones. They miss the hugs, the kisses, the singing, the laughing, the playing and the times of worship together.

It is such a shame that people who could have loving relationships are separated while in this world. Sometimes we lose loved ones to drugs, disease, violent crime, accidents, or death, or distance because of vocation, education, military service, criminal justice, medical support. Sometimes because of pride, anger, jealousy.

Whatever the case, the loving one still remembers and longs for them to, Come And Sit By My Side If You Love Me, because they still cherish their little one (even though they are grown and gone, and still think... You Are My Sunshine, My...