The Living Years

I was listening to 80’s music today as I did my housework. And a song came on that will be my blog this morning. I know it so well and it touched me as much today and it always did back then.

I’ve lost both my parents but, thankfully, things were so good between each of them and me when they died. They knew I loved them and I had tried to be available to them as much as possible. My daddy died very suddenly when I was twenty; my mom a little over 5 years ago. And I do know that we’ll have everlasting life to continue to explore our relationships.

That said, if you still have your parents, let them know how much you love them. If they aren’t believers, continue to pray as I know you are now and ask others to join with you!

And thanks to Mike and the Mechanics for the words from “The Living Years.”

Every generation blames the one before
And all of their frustrations come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner to all my father held so dear
I know that I'm a hostage to all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper filled with imperfect thought
Stilted conversations I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it; he says it's perfect sense
You just can't get agreement in this present tense
We all talk a different language talking in defense

So we open up a quarrel between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future; it's the bitterness that lasts
So don't yield to the fortunes you sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective on a different day
And if you don't give up, and don't give in you may just be okay

I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away
I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit later that same year
I'm sure I heard his echo in my baby's new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye