Music can be very powerful, whisking us away to another place and time, or evoking strong memories and emotions. Click the play button below, and then scroll down to read more about how this song effects me…
First of all, let me say thanks to Carole King for writing such an incredible song!
It’s meant a lot to me, ever since I first heard it, probably in the soundtrack to the movie “A League of Their Own” way back in 1992. Even then, it could often move me to tears, and for a long time I associated it with my mom who passed away in 1988.
now and forever
you are a part of me
and the memory cuts like a knife
And, more recently, I re-associated it with my brother, who passed away in 2012.
now and forever
I’ll remember
all the promises still unbroken
and think about all the words between us
that never needed to be spoken
My mom and brother are part of me, no doubt. And I love them both dearly, but this is clearly a love song!
didn’t we find the ecstacy
didn’t we share the daylight
when you walked into my life
In other words, as much as the song moved me–even to tears at times–it never completely “fit” the lost relationships that I associated with it.
I just re-listened to it, and it sent me into a fit of chest-quivering, can’t-breath sobbing.
we had a moment
just one moment
that will last beyond a dream,
beyond a lifetime
Now that Ryma’s gone, it fits! Every word. Every thought. Every emotion. The uncanny thing is, I can remember playing it for her one lazy afternoon when we were playing old songs online, and telling her how much it meant to me.
we are the lucky ones
some people never get to do
all we got to do
The powerful emotions that I’ve always associated with the song–even for 25 years–and that I had a chance to share with her–seem to have actually always belonged to her.
now and forever
I will always think of you
Anyway, now and forever, the song will always make me think of her. And that’s as it should be. Because it fits.
didn’t we love together
and together we lit up the world
I miss the tears
I miss the laughter
I miss the day we met
and all that followed after
sometimes I wish I
could always be with you
the way we used to do
now and forever
I will always think of you
now and forever
I will always be with you
I will always miss you, tante Ryma. I miss your kindness to me and Kevin, my brother. I am sad that you are gone. I will always miss you.
Ryma thought a lot of you, Michael, and your brother Kevin too. She always enjoyed your visits. 🙂
Ryma will always be my best friend forever… All the good memories of our friendship are precious, will keep it in special place in my heart.
Like one quotes say: “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear”.
Rest in peace Ryma in our Father home.
I like that quote. It reminds me of another:
I think the sentiments are similar, but I like your quote better.