Our wedding day, November 24, 2007. It was a beautiful day in Fond du Lac, WI. At this time, Michelle and I were living in Allentown, PA. Long story why we were living there, we’ll save that for another entry. Michelle was busy planning our wedding 5 states away. My favorite part of the planning, likely the only part I played in the planning, was working on our soundtrack!
In 2007, it was popular to make custom CD’s of music. If you are under 20, there is a very good chance you don’t know what a CD is, that’s fine, just don’t share that, it will make me feel old. For our wedding gift to those attended, we handed out CD’s of our favorite songs. This really was important to Michelle and I. We spent many hours going over different selections and why. I don’t regret a single selection. But I have been thinking much more lately, if we released a sequel CD to our life since that magical day, what would the songs be?
First of all, let’s review the 1st “release.” See Picture:
All great songs. Looking back on it, #5 How Sweet It is by James Taylor really shows some significance. In the visitation before my mothers funeral, James Taylor was played. She loved his music.
#13 Extra Ordinary by Better than Ezra is still my favorite song. I really enjoy many of their songs, I look forward to taking my kids to their concerts soon!
Now on to Disc #2.
The first selection is a no brainer. Home by Blue October. “I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner, I can’t wait to soar.” Damn right! I love everything about this song. “Only care in the world is that our kids are alright, Daddy loves momma and momma loves him.” I could go on and on. One of my favorite moments in life is playing this song in the kitchen of our home moments after closing on the house we built.
What’s second, this is where it gets tough. I’m going to go with a song I recently discovered. A wild card if you will. #2 is Big Love, Small Moments by JJ Heller. This song really speaks to me and our last 5 years. We are always looking for big moments of change, but the reality is that the big things happen in the small moments. Having a son that happens to have Down Syndrome, he works so hard to achieve some things that our other children did without much fanfare. “Big Magic in the mundane.” “Everything is sacred when you take time to notice.” You are damn right. Good luck listening to this song, I mean really listening, and not have a little tear.
#3, let’s have a little fun. I’m going to have to go with Matea’s favorite song. Yes, our 8 year old gets to have a selection. Anytime I ask her for a song, there is only one answer. You know dad is dancing and singing along with her! I present #3, Best Song Ever by One Direction. When I ask her why this song, the answer is simple “It’s the Best Song Ever.” Hard to argue with that!
If Matea gets a song, the others must! Lydia turns 11 this week and she and music is always changing. Most nights her and I do a song as I tuck her in. We do many different selections from all different years. When we started doing this tradition, this song kept coming up, I bring it back every once and a while for night time. Here it is: #4 Fast Car by Tracy Chapman!
Trent is up for his song selection. I asked him what his favorite song is, he was a little hesistant. He landed on Michigan for the Winter. I do like that song, but when I think of him, the selection is obvious. This kid wants to hunt, fish and love everyday. A song that needs no explaining: #5, Luke Bryan – Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day!
#6 is going for our 4 year old Malix. Does he have a favorite song? He’s 4, they are all great. But he does have a dance to a song. Here it is #6: Shotgun by George Ezra!
All good lives need a rock. I definitely have mine in Michelle. She’s always been there for support in our adventures. Times have been tough, times have been amazing. For her, #7: Tell your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey!
In 2018, I quit my full time job as a Director of Buildings and Grounds with a school district. Since then, everyday I feel like I’m living the American Dream, playing with baseball cards for a living. So, this choice is obvious. #8, American Dream by MKTO!
How about a pick up song, feeling like giving up (I’ve been there many times). Feel like calling it a day. I’m four, five seconds from wildin’. We are almost there, just need to get through this. When your kindness is taken for weakness. I have the cure, here’s #9 FourFiveSeconds by Rihanda, Kanye West and Paul McCartney!
In this adventure, the true is sharing it with my wife (Michelle) and kids. This song really speaks of seeing and doing so much, but the best line is “There’s heaven on earth, Seven wonders, And you.” It really is about being with those you love and enjoying that time, then take the adventure, together! Here’s a fantastic song for #10, 7 Wonders by Jon Robert Hall.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and maybe have some new favorite songs. I love music and love finding “new favorite songs.” Making this list was much harder than I ever thought it would be. I would enjoy your comments on the blog what songs you would include on your soundtrack!
Malix 