I loved going to Huntington Beach as a child. Surprisingly, someone captured our visit on film in 1971. I’m the little one in the front with the ponytails. That’s my brother Billy to my left and my sister Becky to my right. Over Becky’s left shoulder is my cousin Kathy who died a few years ago. Next to her is her sister (and my cousin) Cindy. Indeed, I am grateful to have this rare photograph of a time so long ago. Fifty years ago to be exact. It shocks me to think I have lived more than half my life.
I turned four in 1971. My older siblings had a tremendous influence on me. I loved the music of their generation before the music of mine was even written. Consequently, I had memorized all the lyrics to every John Denver, Bobby Goldsboro, and Bread song by the time I was seven. The sad songs I loved the most. Everything I Own by Bread is still one of my top 10 favorite songs. It is my tribute to my siblings and parents.
You taught me how to love
What it’s of, what it’s of
You never said too much
But still, you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can’t let go
And I would give anything I own
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Beautiful picture but also heartbreaking. I hate time. It is beyond cruel. I wish God would come back soon. I’m tired of losing people I love.
I understand how you feel. 100 percent. We lost two people during the pandemic – friends from the Catholic community. It’s been awful. Have yo lost someone else recently?