Songs and Memories

08-13-2017Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

While visiting my parents on a recent “day off,” I was setting outdoors perusing YouTube listening to somesongs which bring back good and pleasant memories. My dad who is 71 years old, sat down next to me andinquired as to what I was doing. “You can find those songs on your phone?” he asked. “Sure, and I can showyou how to find them on your phone.” So I did. By no means is my dad technologically advanced, but he hasdone a pretty good job mastering text messaging with my siblings and I. So, after a few steps with his phone hewas listening to songs which helped him reminisce about his younger years. The time together was delightful.

Most of us can agree that technological advances are helping us, for better and for worse. Deacon Wendt and Iare aware of people who look for our churches, finding themselves two blocks away “because their phone ledthem there.” He and I know that if they opened their eyes and looked around at the surroundings instead oftheir screen, they would have been at our church front doors. Technology is not always our best friend.

On the other hand, there are countless Catholics who are availing themselves to technology to inform theirminds and hearts about Catholic matters. Some research long-standing questions, some study spiritualreflections on the Scriptures, some find nifty historic places to visit and the options go on and on. We trulyneed to be grateful to the resources that our out there, if only we take the time to use them for good purposes.

Getting back to my experience with my dad, the songs lead to stories about his life experiences and mine. Someof the songs we listened to together, or alone, were not part of our reality for months and even years. He endedup sharing a story about my mother’s eldest brother who died in a motorcycle accident when he was in his earlytwenties; I never knew him. My dad, however, happened to be a good pal of his and enjoyed a personal visitwith him the night before his tragic accident. I learned a few things about friendship, family and lifeexperiences. All of us have them; we just need to find occasions to share with one another.

Now, for the curious readers among you, I thought it would be worthwhile sharing with you some of the songswhich were the springboard for our YouTube experience. And, since we continue to enjoy these beautiful daysof summer, you might want to give these songs an ear, which may lead you to the songs of your own life story. Better yet, your experience may lead you to share some memories with people you love.

My choices: Chris Ledoux-This Cowboy’s Hat. Red Sovine-The Funeral. Chris Stapleton-Either Way.

Dad’s first choices that day: Stonewall Jackson-BJ the DJ. Lefty Frizzell-Long Black Veil.

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