The Story of our lives...

Jamey Johnson
That Lonesome Song
"In Color"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBk07l2aKrE
I said, Grandpa what's this picture here.
It's all black and white and ain't real clear
Is that you
he said, yeah I was eleven
Times were tough back in thirty-five
That's me and Uncle Joe just tryin to survive
A cotton farm in the Great Depression
And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color
This one here was taken overseas
In the middle of hell in nineteen forty-three
In the winter time you can almost see my breath
That was my tail gunner ole Johnny McGeeHe was a high school teacher from New Orleans
And he had my back right through the day we left
And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color
A picture's worth a thousand words
But you can't see what those shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in color
This one is my favorite one it's me and grandma in the summer sun
All dressed up the day we said our vows
You can't tell it here but it was hot that June
That rose was red and her eyes were blue
And just look at that smile
I was so proud
That's the story of m life
Right there in black and white
And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color
A picture's worth a thousand words
But you can't see what those shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in color

I love this song so much. I think it's because it reminds me of all the precious elderly men and ladies that I have taken care of at the end of their lives over the last 4 1/2 years being a hospice nurse. I have been blessed to be given a job where I can hold so many hands and listen to so many sweet memories. They all could have written this song. And I feel like I am living this song, in my own way. What memories am I making today that I will remember in 20 or 40 years? Hopefully, like this song sings, time and maturity will cover these memories with a sweetness and gracefullness that I may not experience while in the midst. All I know is that someday I want to be that sweet little old lady, holding the hand of a pretty young nurse, as I tell her about all I've seen, done and learned, right before I go meet Jesus.

Instead of waiting until then to appreciate it for all it's richness, I am trying to "see it in color" right now, every friend and family member, every moment, every touch, every kiss, .