Saturday Morning Message: The Power of Music to Heal

Good morning,

This week’s message centers around music and how it can help us as it enables us to tell others about our loved ones. The Roots & American Music Society partnered with Bonnie Carroll, founder and president of TAPS, to create a song titled “Love Lives On,” which was released yesterday, so it is our song of the week. Give it a listen, and tell me what you think. Bonnie is shown in the photo with producer Jimmy Nichols. I hope you will also enjoy reading the memories and listening to the songs from survivors featured this week.

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.

Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon

Answers from Survivors

Responses from Survivors to last week's question: What song has helped you on your grief journey? Tell us a little bit about how it helped.

From Charlene, mother of Devin: This question took some thought, especially since the TAPS playlist has so many beautiful, inspirational and sorrowful songs. By far the song that brings me the most hope and inspiration is Carrie Underwood’s  "See You Again." It reminds me that Devin and I will be together again and until that happens “I will carry you with me.“ Also the song has a personal attachment, because it was played at the memorial park on his first birthday after we lost him. My daughter Caitlin downloaded the song for him that day and we let balloons go while she played it.

From Laura, daughter of James: "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver. My dad liked his music and when it comes on the radio now, I smile and turn it up. I still get teary eyed, but it reminds me of the Green Mountains of Vermont where dad was born and raised. 

From Elizabeth, spouse of Joseph: A popular song when my husband Joe and I started dating in 1967 was "You're Just Too Good To Be True."  Although we never decided on "our song," that was always the way I thought about him. That wasn't always easy as his PTSD got worse over the years, but some part of me always felt that way. I sometimes sing or recite it to myself since he died in 2017. He died a little over a month before the 50th anniversary of our first date.

From Leslie, mother of Eugene: Believe it or not I was watching Oprah when the three tenors from Canada were introduced and I just fell in love with their version of the song, "Hallelujah," which included Celine Dion. I basically turn into a hot mess upon listening to the song, but it gives me great joy to hear it. I have no explanation as to my reaction to this beautiful song other than I think of Gene every time I hear it.

From Suzanne, mother of Brian: "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey.That was my Brian's go-to karaoke song sung in his 'rock star' voice. I played it at his memorial. Everytime I hear it, I smile.

From Shelton, father of Adam: My choice is "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down. He thought he was Superman! Invincible! But PTSD was his Kryptonite.

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 

The question this week comes from Perry, father of Christopher. He wants to know: Did your loved one ever play a trick or prank on you? What was it? It might be fun to share these memories since the next Saturday Morning Message will be sent just before April Fool’s Day.  We look forward to your responses! 

Questions are the backbone of the Saturday Morning Message. In order to keep the Saturday Morning Message fresh, I am looking for more questions. If you have questions or topics you would like to see addressed in the Saturday Morning Message, you can email me at online@taps.org. I directly receive all responses that are sent to this address. Replies to the weekly question are best sent to me by Tuesday morning. You are an important part of this message, and I look forward to your questions or any ideas you may have.

♫ Song for the Week

This week’s song is "Love Lives On," created by the Roots & American Music Society who partnered with Bonnie Carroll, TAPS founder and president. The link on the song title will take you to a webpage describing more about how this song came to be. If you would like to purchase the song go to lovelivesonmusic.com. 

You can send favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org and include a note about why the song is meaningful to you.

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