Saturday Morning Message: Feeling close to our loved ones across time and space

Good morning,

Since this week two responders wrote about feeling close to their loved one through music, I thought opening with a picture showing musical notes with hearts might be a good way to connect and remind us of how music speaks to the love we feel for our loved ones.

In addition to those who responded, I wanted to share a recent time when I felt close to my son and husband. It was last weekend when I went to a community supper. I could feel the warm hugs surrounding me. It always amazes me when that happens.

I also want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers who read this message. Perhaps this Sunday you can go somewhere that connects you to your loved one and feel the presence.

Remember, you can write to me anytime — to contribute, subscribe or if you have thoughts on what could make the Saturday Morning Message more helpful. I look forward to hearing from you. My email address is online@taps.org.I hope you enjoy today’s Saturday Morning Message.

Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon

Answers from Survivors

Responses from Survivors to the question: What is a time or place that you feel close to your loved one?

From Beth, ex-wife of Thomas: My former spouse, Tom, who was a former Marine Reserves staff sergeant, loved going to a shooting range, scuba diving and visiting air museums. I have relocated to another part of the state, but whenever I drive by a shooting range, air museum, or see an ad for scuba certification, I think about how he would have loved to see those new places and the wonderful memories that we had doing those things.

From Tabitha, wife of Michael: My husband was a musician. He took such pride from his playing. I was in awe of skills. He played a lot of music video games like Rock Band. He made videos online in the hundreds and was well liked. Now, whenever I hear a mean guitar solo, I feel so close to him. Like he's playing it right there for me.

From Samira, mother of Andres: I incorporate memories from my son, Andres, every day of my life. I have everything from his belongings. I sleep with one of his pillows. I go to his room and I feel his presence. I go to the Disney theme parks and enjoy being there. Sometimes I cry. I go everywhere I went with Andres. This is the only way I have survived.

If you would like to send a message thanking one or all of those who participated in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to me at online@taps.org and I will make sure your thoughts are passed along to them.

Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message

There are many events TAPS plans for survivors. Your response to this week’s question may help some survivors decide if they would like to join one. So the question is: What TAPS seminar or retreat have you attended and what did you like best about it? We look forward to your responses. 

We can honor our loved ones by communicating with each other through writing. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another. I encourage you to reply to the Saturday Morning Message by emailing online@taps.org. I directly receive all responses that are sent to this address. In order to have your reply included in the week’s Saturday Morning Message, it is best to send it to me by Tuesday morning of the following week. Thank you to everyone responding this week and those who read this message.

♫ Song for the Week

This week Leslie, mother of Eugene, sent a combination of a response and a song, so I thought her thoughts were perfect for this section. She wrote about playing piano at a concert at which she felt her son’s and dad’s presence. Leslie wrote, “I feel especially close to my son when I perform. I feel he is listening from the audience. I feel his smile and support. I performed today as a celebration of my dad’s (US Navy Seabee) life. I performed solo piano, duets and two piano works with friends. It was wonderful. My dad and my son were very close. I felt them there.” Liszt’s  Sonetto del Petrarca 104 is one of the songs she played. There isn’t a video of Leslie playing, so the link shows classical pianist and composer Vladimir Horowitz performing.

You can send me favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org.