Saturday Morning Message: Our Loved Ones' Favorite Musicians or Bands
Author: Carol Lane
Good Morning,
Many people find that music can help them express their feelings much easier than through writing or talking. I think that is how performers feel, as they often pour their heart and soul out to their audiences through their performances.
The opening photo shows a group of musicians who came together in 2018 at the TAPS Colorado Celebrity Classic fundraiser. These musicians shared their passion for the TAPS mission and why they support all those grieving the loss of a military loved one through their personal stories and their music.
This week, our topic centered around sharing our loved ones’ favorite musicians or bands. You will find the responders to this week’s question wrote about the emotions they have when they listen to their loved ones’ favorite songs or groups.
I hope you will enjoy today’s message.
Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon
Responses from Survivors to last week's question
Who is your loved one's favorite musician or band?
From Marcia, mother of Patrick: When Patrick's November 15th birthday dawned dreary and drizzly, I sat down with his treasured stash of Pink Floyd records and spent the entire day listening, really LISTENING to all of them. I felt so connected to Patrick, appreciating the musicality and genius of his favorite band; my heart beat synced with the riffs.
Patrick used to sit down in that same room listening over and over to my stash of Beatles’ records, especially The White Album. When he got older, he discovered Pink Floyd and built his own stash. I treasure it now and keep on listening.
From Christine, spouse of Dennis: My husband has been gone 20 years, but his favorite band was the Moody Blues. I even took him to see them once. I remember sitting out on the grass for their concert.
From Beth, spouse of Thomas: Tom loved the song "Shut Up and Dance With Me" by Walk The Moon. That song is about encouraging people to let go of whatever is bothering them, and do something physical instead of worrying. Tom had good and bad days as he struggled with bipolar disorder. This song was the ring tone on his cell phone. Whenever I hear the song, I think of him having a good day wherever he is.
We Welcome Your Comments
If you would like to send a note commenting on one or all of the responses in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to online@taps.org and your thoughts will be passed along to each contributor. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another.
Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message
What is the most enjoyable experience you have had at a TAPS seminar or event?
As more and more people receive the vaccine for COVID-19, and life slowly returns to normal, some of us may be thinking about attending a TAPS seminar or event. We hope that by sharing your experiences you can help the newer members of the TAPS family know what to expect, as they may be planning to attend a TAPS in-person gathering for the first time in 2021. We look forward to reading your responses to this week’s question.
In order to have your reply considered for next week's edition of the Saturday Morning Message, please send your response by Tuesday morning to online@taps.org.
We Welcome Your Questions
The Saturday Morning Message was created so survivors can share questions and read how others respond. Questions for future messages are always welcome and can be sent to online@taps.org.
Song for the Week
This week, instead of featuring one song, we wanted to share our special free Spotify playlist created by Andy, father of Danny. The playlist is titled TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) Songs of Love and Remembrance and includes songs that have appeared in past editions of the Saturday Morning Message. We are so grateful to Andy for creating this playlist to share with the TAPS Family and hope that you enjoy listening to this special collection of songs.
Send Your Favorite Song or Recipe
Each week, we publish recipes or songs that have special meaning for our subscribers. If you have a favorite recipe or song for this section, please send it to online@taps.org and include a note about why it is meaningful to you.
Related Stories
Article: A Playlist for the Pandemic
From one stressed-out COVID shut-in to all of you out there doing your best to get through the day, here is a pandemic playlist.
Video: The Making of the Album Love Lives On
In 2019, TAPS embarked upon a recording project of ten original songs that honor the lives and dedication of our servicemen and women written by TAPS families.
Other Items and Events of Interest
Join us on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 to 30, for our 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar! We will be live streaming all of our general sessions with guest speakers.
Important Note: In-person registration is still open, but we are in a waitlist situation due to COVID occupancy restrictions in the State of Virginia.
If you have any questions, email seminarregistrations@taps.org or call our Helpline at 202.588.TAPS (8277).
▶▶ Connect With Your TAPS Family
You can discover all the opportunities to connect with your TAPS Family on our website at the TAPS Event Calendar.
About the Saturday Morning Message
The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) is a weekly communication contributed by survivors. The primary focus of the SMM is to foster peer-based connections for support and encouragement. It is the goal of this communication to foster a safe, supportive place where we can openly share in a nonjudgmental and caring manner. Read and contribute as you are comfortable. Content submitted for the SMM is edited for space considerations and may be used in other TAPS publications. The loving family at TAPS is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call 202-588-TAPS (8277).