My mind has been going to interesting places recently. Maybe because I'm 50 years old, I am spending a bit more time doing life review, or maybe because the only TV commercials for my demographic are hawking funeral arrangements, laxatives and AARP membership.
At a dear friend's funeral reception recently, three women and I had a "The Big Chill" moment when we looked around the packed house and commented simultaneously, "I'd never get this many people at my funeral!" These women were in my same age range, perhaps a bit younger or older, but all were contemplating the impact they'd had on other lives.
Would they be missed? Would they be remembered? Would someone even care?
Today as I was driving home, this song came on the radio and the lyrics pierced right through the "mindless driving zone" into my conciousness. The song is called "Leave Out All The Rest" and it seemed to sum up perfectly the types of things I've been thinking... What will I leave behind?
I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
Cause no one else cared
After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving?
When I’m done here
So if you’re asking me
I want you to know
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
And don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
Don’t be afraid
I’ve taken my beating
I’ve shared what I made
I’m strong on the surface
Not all the way through
I’ve never been perfect
But neither have you
So if you’re asking me
I want you to know
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You’ve learned to hide so well
Pretending
Someone else can come
And save me from myself
I can’t be who you are
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You’ve learned to hide so well
Pretending
Someone else can come
And save me from myself
I can’t be who you are
I can’t be who you are
