(A FB Memory from 3 years ago, on this day, 5th July '2022.)
I WONDER IF YOU WONDER
All those thousand times a day,
When my mind starts to think of you...
Somewhere out there, somewhere up there,
Are you thinking of me too? 🤔
SOMEWHERE OUT THERE 🎶
- Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram (An American Tail)
5th July '2025 ✍️
Songs like these, were the hallmark of Disney films, which used to always be my favourite.😊
This one though, wasn't a Disney movie; but somehow, animated films, are often a reflection of 'real human emotions and feelings', and present them on screen, so beautifully.✨️💖
People in similar life situations, just connect with the lyrics.
When you listen to the words of this song, and watch these videos; it appears to be, the story of a tiny 'orphaned mouse', on a quest to find his 'Family', that he has lost.
He seems to be, searching for his parents, who he misses and longs for, more than anything else. He just knows, that they are 'Somewhere out there', watching over him, even though they are gone. 💔
An 'Instant Connection', for anyone who feels like 'Nobody's Child', every single day; because they miss their Family too. 😪
Being part of a Funeral of a dear family member, who lives in a different city or even in another country, has become a possibility in recent years, because like every major event, even a Funeral can now be 'Live Streamed'.
Technology sure has made it so much easier, for people to share, even such moments of grief, deep pain and anguish. Even though you can't actually hug your aunt, uncle, cousin, niece or nephew; just being able to see them on screen, on a day like that, makes one feel like, we're right there with them, in their time of sadness.💕
But sometimes, I wish that technology could have allowed us, to 'Live Stream' conversations and chats, with our 'Family in Heaven' too.😔
If only there was a way, to talk to our Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, Cousins, Aunts and Uncles in heaven, everyday; I would probably be on that social media channel, all day long.
Every time there is a death in the Family, it makes me think of and remember, all of my own 'Angels in those Blue Skies', somewhere up there. When you have so many of them, who have changed residence, and who live there; you cannot help but 'Believe in Angels', who are constantly watching over you.✨️💖
I miss them every minute of every day. I talk to them all day long too, because that's what people, who've lost everyone who truly cares, do. It's our only way, to make sense of this chaotic madness, called 'Life without our Family'.😔
I just don't know if they can hear me though, talking to them incessantly, like a chatter-box; both verbally and when I write these posts.🤔✍️
If only, there was a way in which, I could hear them speak.😪
If only, they had never gone away, in the first place.💔
If only, they were still, right here with me.✨️💖
TO WHERE YOU ARE 🎶
- Josh Groban
(Videos shared from other people's YT pages and I found this pic on the Internet.)
Last Saturday, I watched a Hindi film after many, many years. In fact, I visited a movie theatre, after a long time too. I haven't watched any film on the big screen, for very long. I decided to go and watch this one though, exactly a week after the film was released.
That was primarily because, I had loved 'Taare Zameen Par'. When I saw the Poster for this film, I noticed that they had used the same colour and font as that movie, and that it was called 'Sitaare Zameen Par'. So, I kind of guessed, that it would be a movie, which dealt with a similar concept.
In the weeks, before the movie was finally released in Theatres, I had already watched the Trailer a few times. I thought that it was quite amazing, how Aamir Khan had chosen to make a film, which brought the struggles and lives of 'Differently Abled' children, onto the screen in mainstream Hindi cinema. What a wonderful way to create an 'Awareness', and to speak about an important topic, using the medium of Entertainment.👍
I have always been an admirer of Aamir Khan's film choices, and his ability to do justice to every role that he plays. In the last few decades, he has also chosen to bring about a lot of 'Social Consciousness' and 'Awareness', both through his films and the TV show that he had done, called 'Satyameva Jayate'.
This film, is one more step in that same direction. It highlights the struggles of children, who are born with intellectual disabilities, autism and similar challenges like that.
I especially loved the tag line of the film, 'Sabka apna apna Normal hota hain'. That one line, truly brings out the entire message, that the film has endeavoured to convey.👏👏👏
I have heard lots of different kinds of reviews, about the film. But in my opinion, this movie is almost like a 'Path-Breaker' in Indian cinema, simply because of the concept it chose to speak about; and because of the fact, that the actors in the film, were actually 'Real Differently-Abled' people. It must have been challenging to work with and to shoot an entire film, with those children; but I think, that's what brings out the 'Reality' of their challenges and struggles, even more.👍
Thanks to the fact that 'Inclusive Education' is now being spoken about, more and more in India, we have a lot of children with Learning Disabilities, and even with other Psychological and Behavioural challenges, in many of our schools today. So, most Teachers, even in regular schools, have had experiences of working with and interacting with 'Children who have Special Needs', every single day, for many years now.
But for a large percentage of the population in the country, they would not really have come in close contact with 'Special Children'.
That's why, I think this movie, is kind of like an 'Eye-Opener' for many people. At least, it will sensitise the entire nation, and make everyone think twice, before that react harshly or negatively, towards a 'Special Person'.💖
As a Teacher, I also know that I learned more from the children in my classroom everyday, than I could have ever taught them. That concept, was also presented so beautifully in this film, with numerous 'Lessons for Teachers', along the way, brought out through the journey of the 'Coach'.
He thought he was teaching them; but ended up learning so much from the kids. That is another 'Reality', which every Teacher will tell you about, when they narrate stories of their 'Adventures as a Teacher'.😊
On a personal note, this movie was also Special to me, because an old college classmate, was part of the Production Team, as the Head Basketball Coach, who trained the kids and choreographed, all the Basketball scenes, with his team. How wonderful that he got an opportunity, to be part of an 'Initiative' like this. It makes me feel really happy and proud of him.✨️💕
I went and watched this film, just because I wanted to support a movie, that has tried to 'Create an Awareness' about an important set of people, who live and breathe among us everyday; but who just happen to be born, a little 'Different' from the rest of us.
If you decide to watch it, don't go for the movie expecting a fast-paced movie with spectacular special effects or an extra-ordinary story. It's quite a simple story, with a few simple but meaningful songs here and there; about ordinary people, who are 'Challenged' in some ways, by virtue of their genetic make-up, over which they had no control.
Of course, the so-called 'Normal' people in the film, have quite a few 'Life-Challenges' of their own, to deal with as well.
There are parts of the film, which are heart-warming, and which will make you Smile; and maybe Laugh a little too.
But more than anything else, the movie will make you 'Think', about a few things, that you may or may not have thought about before.
In doing that, I think the film absolutely achieves its main aim and purpose.✨️💖✍️
(A video of the Real 'Sitaare' of the film, visiting one of the many movie Theatres, where the film is running.)😊
(Videos shared from the Zee Music and Aamir Khan Talkies YT pages.)
(Another old FB Memory, from this day 4 years ago. I shared these songs on the 3rd of July, 2021. I had a great Music Teacher back then, who introduced me to interesting music stories like these, almost every day.)
Age is just a number, when you are 'Young at Heart'.
This version of 'Forever Young' is such a great twist to the Bob Dylan song. Really does make it sound like two different songs.😊💕
FOREVER YOUNG 🎶
- Rod Stewart
It's very interesting to see how Rod Stewart changed the original song almost completely, when you listen to the Bob Dylan version of it.😊
Sharing it here, for anyone who wants to listen to it; so you can also discover, how different the two songs really are.
(A FB Memory from this day, 3 years ago. I first posted this song on 3rd July, 2022.)
Ebony and Ivory 🎼🎶🎹
I love how the words of this song, start off with the harmony, created by the dfferent keys on the piano; and then take off, into talking about a very different and much larger concept of 'Harmony', for the world to think about.🙂💕
EBONY AND IVORY 🎶
- Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
SONG LYRICS 🎶
Ebony and Ivory live together in perfect Harmony,
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord, why don't we?
We all know, that people are the same wherever you go;
There is good and bad, in ev'ryone;
We learn to live, when we learn to give
Each other, what we need to survive, together alive.
Ebony and Ivory, live together in perfect Harmony,
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord why don't we?
Ebony, Ivory, living in perfect Harmony,
Ebony, Ivory.
We all know, that people are the same wherever you go;
There is good and bad, in ev'ryone;
We learn to live, when we learn to give
Each other, what we need to survive, together alive.
Ebony and Ivory, live together in perfect Harmony,
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord, why don't we?
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord, why don't we?
Ebony, Ivory, living in perfect Harmony
Ebony, Ivory, living in perfect Harmony. 🎶💕
(Video uploaded on YT by someone else and the picture is one that I just found on the Internet, which just happened to match this song.)
Joy and Sorrow are part of all our lives. But so often, they just cross paths unexpectedly, and get so totally intertwined; that we don't really know, whether we should be feeling happy or sad, whether we should be smiling or crying.
But, what made me write about 'Tears and Smiles', early this morning?🤔
A death in the family, last evening. The loss of a loved one, from the oldest generation in the family; which has literally been sandwiched, between two birthdays, in the youngest generation.😔
Yesterday, an uncle of mine, said his final goodbye to this earthly life.
Coincidentally, there have also been two birthdays in the family, both yesterday and today.
Sadly, that same Uncle's Grandson, celebrates his Birthday today. What a sad Birthday memory for him, which will last forever!😪
It's a confusing feeling for everyone in the family, whenever things like this happen.
Having to wish our two nephews on their birthdays, right in the middle of offering words of condolence, comfort and reassurance.
Most of us cousins, did both of course. But somehow, everyone modified the 'Happy Birthday' wishes, because of the sadness in all our hearts.💔
But whenever things like this happen, it always makes me stop for a while, and ponder over the 'uncertainty of Life and Death', this constant 'fruit-salad of Happiness and Sadness'; and about how these contradictory feelings and emotions, frequently overlap one another, during the course of our lives.
The strangest thing is that, this isn't even the first time, that events like these, have coincided and overlapped, in our family.
One of my Aunt's, lost both her Dad (my Grandfather), and her younger brother, on her birthday, in two different years.
Two years ago, another Uncle died on my cousin's birthday.
And back in 2018, my Mum also passed away, on the birthday of her cousin.
But, the most difficult moment of all, for the Family; was when my Dad bid farewell to this world, in 2009. It was just two days before my cousin's wedding. So, we sadly had a Funeral and a Wedding in the Family, on two consecutive days.😔
I'm sure that lots of people, may have experienced moments like these, in their own Families too.
But, on both sides of my extended family, this overlap of happy and sad occasions, has happened quite often, over the years.
Probably, it's something that should make all of us, stop and think about.
How happiness and sadness are two feelings and emotions, that cannot really be separated from one another. They always go hand in hand; and somehow, we have to learn to accept both, by learning how to 'Smile through our Tears', just a little more, everyday. ✍️
(Another old FB Memory, from 7 years ago. Written on this day, 30th June, 2018.
A 'self-motivating' post, which I wrote, during one of the most difficult and challenging phases of my life - The three months, when my Mum was put under palliative care, and when I was dreadfully counting the days, before she would be taken away from me, forever.💔😪
When I read these old posts, I realise that I probably had more 'Emotional Strength' back then, than I do now.
Maybe that's why, I think that my own words, almost come back to me, like 'Reminders', every now and then, when I read these again.) ✍️
I've been thinking, about how life often presents us with situations and circumstances, that are very difficult to cope with.
Every difficult moment, brings with it, a new struggle; and each trial, comes with numerous challenges, that are sometimes very hard to overcome.
It's easy to sail through the good times, with a smile; but it's harder to look for the 'rays of sunshine', on days when the sky is completely overcast and cloudy.
Through it all though...
...We still try to look for the rainbow, amidst the dark clouds,
...We still attempt to find, that elusive ray of light,
...and we still, try to 'Keep Smiling'.🤷🏻♀️
I guess, that's the way to live Life.
Not everything, turns out the way we want it to; but we have to just 'Keep Going', no matter what.
We have to just 'Keep Believing', that God is always beside us, holding our hand and leading us through the storm...
...and just maybe, if we are patient enough, the sun will come out, some time soon.✍️
(Two songs that came up as FB Memories today. The first one, I posted on this day in 2022; and I shared the second one, on the 30th of June, 2021.)
Watched a movie called 'Harmony from the Heart', which is about how 'Music Therapy' helps a person who is unwell, to get better.🎶🙂
It's a sweet film; and while it may just be a story, that someone made up, I know for a fact that 'Music Heals', and makes a bigger difference, than anything else ever could.❤️
Just sharing a song called 11:11 from that film, which I found.
It's a song, that the main character of the film, who is a 'Music Therapist', learnt from her Grandmother, and sang in memory of her.🎶
I guess, songs always connect us to 'Memories' and 'Special People', who aren't with us anymore. Family and loved ones, who now watch over us constantly, from up there in the heavens.✨️💖
There are so many things, we wish we could tell them and say to them everyday, but sadly we can't.😪
11:11 - WISH I COULD TELL YOU
(Harmony from the Heart - Movie)
- Jessica Lowndes
For those who haven't heard this wonderful Fingerstyle Guitarist, Gabriella Quevedo before, go to her YT page and have a look. She is really talented.❤
'...because you don't know, what it means to me'.🙂💕 Love that line in this song.
'Love of my life' by Queen...Quite an awesome song.😍
If only we could bring back the ones, who have been taken away from us.😪
Since that's not possible, we just think of them, everytime we listen to songs like these.🎶
LOVE OF MY LIFE (Queen)
- Gabriella Quevedo (Guitar Cover)
(Videos shared from different people's pages on YT.)
(This picture is a FB Memory from 7 years ago. I shared it, on 25th June, 2018.)
25th June '2025 ✍️
June 2018 was the time, when my mum's Oncologists told me, that her body was too weak and too frail, to complete the remaining cycles of chemo. She had already been through many, many rounds of it, losing over 35 kgs, in the process.
By that time, her body finally gave up. She couldn't take any more. This was her second Cancer in 8 years and a more aggressive one. She lived for three months after that, but in unbelievable pain; which was so intense, that she didn't even know, who I was, when I spoke to her.😪
I used to write posts and share pics like these, back in those days, just to motivate myself to 'Keep Going Anyway'; even though, I was fully aware of the inevitable outcome, which was not too far away.
Seeing this picture and reading these words today, 7 years later; just brought all those memories flooding back.
She had been through so much, that she really had 'no fight left'. Physically, she was already 'not really there anymore'.
...and yet, I kept holding on to 'Hope'.💔
Sometimes, we human beings just do that, even though we know, that the situation, is absolutely and completely 'Hopeless'. I guess, we do that, simply because the person means so much to us, and because 'We Care'. That's how much, 'Family' means to us.😔
Watching my Mum, slowly but surely, fading away like that; and then, finally losing her, three months later, took everything, away from me.😪
My Spirit to keep going,
My Will to do, just about anything and everything.
My Desire to move, from one day to the next; from one moment to the next.
I was just functioning on 'Auto-Pilot', literally.
It'll soon be 7 years since then.
The years have flown by, but I think for the most part, I still go through life, from one day to the next, on 'Auto-Pilot'.
Yes, I Smile and Laugh sometimes; but I still Cry every single day. The tears, just don't stop.💔😔 Little things, places, incidents, situations and people around me too...Everything triggers off a hundred memories, instantly.
It's difficult to explain those emotions and feelings of 'Loss and Pain', to anyone; but losing one's entire Family, by the age of 38, does that to a person.😪
...and I miss 'My Best Friend', at every step of the way.
I think, the day she died, I really stopped 'Living'.
Now, I only 'Exist', because for some strange, inexplicable and unexplainable reason; while she was taken away from me, I was left behind, and am still breathing. 🤷🏻♀️✍️
(A FB Memory from this day, written on 25th June' 2023. But this post, is actually about something that happened, many years before that. I'm just always reminded of that incident, on this day every year.)
Only One MJ ✍️✨️
I still remember, how I found out that Michael Jackson had died, on this day, way back in 2009. There was this student in one of my classes at DB, who was a huge MJ fan; and early in the morning, just as I was taking attendance in class, he came up to me and said, "Miss, did you hear the news...MJ just died today."
I looked at him with complete disbelief and thought it must just be some rumour, that he had heard somewhere; and I replied, "That's not possible."
Of course, he persisted and said, "No Miss! It's true. It was on the news this morning, before I came to school."
I remember being very disturbed that whole day and unable to concentrate on the usual, everyday things, that I was doing in school.😔
It's not that I was a crazy MJ fan; because like many great artists, the fame and 'the persona' they create, kind of takes over 'the person', which doesn't really make them the most exemplary people to follow.
The stories we had heard about his life, (whether true or untrue), didn't exactly make him, a very positive role-model for anyone...but the unexpected way in which, he suddenly vanished from our lives, did take me by surprise; and shocked the whole world as well.
I did love many of his songs; and even though a lot of singers have tried to sing his songs over the years, I think his voice and the way he performed on stage, was so unique and memorable, that there could only ever be one Michael Jackson.❤️
Sharing one of my favourite Jackson 5 songs today, 'I'll Be There', played by another favourite, Dave Koz.🎷✨️
(Found this video of the song, uploaded by someone else on YT.)
(FB Memories constantly reminds me, of all these wonderful songs, that I used to share practically everyday, during those pandemic years.
On some days, like today; I was reminded of at least 3 lovely songs, that I shared on one day. I guess, Music just kept me company, during those dreadfully lonely times.
Am picking one of those songs, which I posted on this day, 4 years ago, on the 23rd of June, 2021.) 😊
I discovered this lovely musician Gabriella Quevedo, back in 2020. She has some amazing guitar videos, on her YouTube page. This is one of the many, many beautiful songs she has played.😍
EVERYTHING I OWN 🎶
- Gabriella Quevedo (Guitar Cover)
'I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again'.✨️💖
'BREAD' is a group that I discovered when I was in college. One of my friends sang their song 'If', during a Singing Contest in Xavier's. The lyrics are so beautiful, that it has been one of my favourite songs, since the first time I heard it.
This one, is another one of those very melodious and meaningfully written, 'Bread' songs. 🎶
- Bread
Lyrics that remind us of loved ones, who are not with us anymore. Our Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and others in our Family, who are no longer with us. How we wish, we could have them back in our lives!😪
The words of this song, capture that 'longing and yearning in our hearts, for those who we've lost', so wonderfully.
SONG LYRICS 🎶
Everything I own - Bread
You sheltered me from harm.
Kept me warm, kept me warm.
You gave my life to me.
Set me free, set me free.
The finest years I ever knew,
Were all the years, I had with you.
And I would give anything I own.
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home.
I would give everything I own,
Just to have you back again.
You taught me how to laugh.
What a time, what a time.
You never said too much,
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you.
Nobody else could ever know,
The part of me that can't let go.
And I would give anything I own,
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home.
I would give everything I own,
Just to have you back again.
Is there someone you know,
You're loving them so,
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day.
Someone takes them away,
And they don't hear the words, you long to say.
I would give anything I own,
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home.
I would give everything I own,
Just to have you back again;
Just to touch you once again.
(A FB Memory from this day, three years ago, 20th June 2022.)
I remember, that the day I first listened to this song, many, many years ago; I had big, big tears in my eyes. It was a song I identified with so much.❤
I think that people who have lost loved ones, would connect with this song, much more than others. The lyrics are so beautiful and touching.
I don't know if Ronan Keating or Garth Brookes, write their own songs or only sing them; but whoever put down the words to this song, really wrote this one straight from their heart.❤ One of those songs, that always makes me wish I could write words to a song like this some day.🙂
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES 😪🎶
- Ronan Keating
(SONG LYRICS) 🎶
Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping;
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark;
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake in the morning,
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart.
If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her?
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one?
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me.
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes?
'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them.
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed.
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me;
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel.
If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her?
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one?
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me;
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes?
So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes. ✨️💖
20th June '2025
UNSPOKEN! UNEXPRESSED! UNFINISHED!😪
What a month this has been! Accidents and tragedies happening everywhere.
A family that I know of, died in a car accident, leaving behind their 9 year old son. He lost both his parents and his Grandmother that day, at such a young age. Seeing those three coffins, lying side by side, was just so difficult.
Having experienced losing my own brother, in a road accident, at the age of 10, the loss of that little boy really affected me...
Even now, more than 3 and a half decades later, I still miss him...And I miss my parents too, who I also lost when I was quite young, every single day.😔
To think how that little boy, has to go through his entire life ahead, without his parents, was just too painful to imagine.
Coping with Grief and the loss of close family members, is something that truly has no timeline. It's a daily uphill struggle, that lasts for as long as you live; and absolutely no one else, can really understand it. Many learn how to mask and cover the pain and tears, in unique ways, over time; but the 'Pain' always remains. It just never goes away completely.💔
I guess, only those who've lost dear ones, will ever really know...and even then, no two stories are the same. So, each person's everyday life struggles, especially the 'Emotional' ones, are also very different.😪
The recent plane crash, in which so many families, lost their loved ones, so unexpectedly; is something that has also been on my mind constantly. I've been watching and hearing the many painful stories, shared by families; and it is absolutely heart-breaking.
To news channels, companies and authorities, the lives lost, will just be stories to tell and statistics to count. But to the family members left behind, the burden of this immeasurable loss, and the very tragic end of their loved ones, is something that will stay with them, forever and ever.😔
So many words and thoughts 'Unspoken'.
So many feelings and emotions 'Unexpressed'.
So, so much, just left completely 'Unfinished'.😪
No one knows, what tomorrow holds in store. In fact, we don't even know what the next moment may bring. Incidents like these, remind us of this fact, always.
One Day At A Time...
That has been my motto in life for many, many years.
There really is no other way, to live this completely uncertain life.✍️
These are two of my favourite groups of Singers, who sing Cover versions of songs.
Of course, because they sound good; but more importantly, because they are both groups of 'Brothers'. Siblings who sing and make music together.
That is Special to me, because I wish I could write songs and make music, with my own Brother, so many times; just like the 'Carpenters' did. They are another one of my favourite sibling duos, who wrote and performed so many beautiful songs. 🎶
But since I can't write and sing songs with my own brother, I love listening to groups of Siblings, who do.🤗
It's my Brother's Birthday tomorrow. This is my small way of remembering him.✨️💖
LEAN ON ME 🎶
- Boyce Avenue (Bill Withers)
THIS I PROMISE YOU 🎶
- Music Travel Love ft. Dave Moffatt and Francis Greg (NSYNC)
(This post is not written by me. It's something I read on a friend's page, a few days ago. It made me wish, that I had a friend like that too. I just wanted to save this forward. So, am sharing it here.
I only ever had one person in my life, who knew me as well as the Coach, in this little story; and that was my Mum.✨️💖
I have many Friends who care, but after my mother passed away, I don't think I have anyone, who is as close to me, as she was...and I miss 'My Best Friend', every single day.)😪
She was drowning.
And nobody noticed…
Nobody, except her.
It was June 2022, at the World Championships in Budapest.
Anita Álvarez, an American artistic swimmer with Mexican roots, was performing a flawless routine.
But when her performance ended… she didn’t come up for air.
She had lost consciousness.
Her body floated for a few seconds, then began to sink.
Slowly. All the way to the bottom of the pool.
The audience didn’t notice. Neither did the judges.
Everyone was clapping.
But her coach, Andrea Fuentes, noticed.
She knew Anita—knew exactly how long it took her to surface.
She felt in her heart that something was wrong.
Without thinking twice, she dove in.
Fully dressed. Shoes and all.
She swam straight down, grabbed Anita by the waist,
and brought her back up.
She saved her life.
This story left me thinking…
Who knows you well enough to notice when you’re not okay, even if you’re still smiling? 🤔
Who would dive in for you without hesitation when you no longer have the strength to come up for air?
And more importantly…
Would you be that person for someone else?
Are you present enough in your loved ones’ lives, to sense the moment they start to sink?
Or are you just another spectator, clapping, not realizing that inside, they’re fading? 😔
In this life, we all need someone who doesn’t just see us—
(I love it when FB Memories reminds me of old posts like these. This is one, that I wrote 2 years ago, on 29th March '2023. Had saved it to post later; and forgot about it. So, sharing it today.)
'My come whatever, Unfair Weather Friend'.🎶✨️💖
- Marla Cannon Goodman
Very rarely do we get to hear the voice of the 'songwriter' who actually wrote the song. I found this song sung by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, in their last collaboration together.
...and then, I discovered that Marla Cannon Goodman wrote this song with Ward Davis, and that neither of them ever imagined that their song would be sung, by two country music icons one day.💕🎶
So, because we always hear the voices of the singers who sing the songs; I thought I would share this version instead, sung by one of the two songwriters who wrote the song.✍️
Also found a blog post, in which Marla shared the lovely story, behind how the song was written; and how, it later came to be sung by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, It's sometimes so nice to hear about, how a song came to life.🎶😊
Reminders like these, (through an old song, which you found many years ago), at moments in life, when you feel low or when you feel like, no one is really around, and when you truly need a Friend; are very Comforting and Uplifting.🎶
Looking for beautiful songs with lovely lyrics, is something that I originally started doing, as part of my job, more than 20 years ago, when I needed to find an appropriate 'Theme-based' song, for any event in school.
Over the years, it became a habit; and I have discovered some wonderful songs, that may not always be popular, but I love them.
This is one of those very meaningful songs, which I found and shared, 5 years ago, with this old post.]✨️🎶
I had a thought in mind for a few days, and before actually putting down those thoughts on paper, I just wanted to see, if someone else had already done something similar, in the past.
That led me to this beautiful song. Loved the lyrics. They can be applied to almost anyone, who has accompanied us, along life's journey.
From God above, who constantly watches over us, to our family and loved ones, to 'dear and close friends who almost feel like family', or to just anybody, who is 'Always There' for us, whenever we need 'a Friend'.✨️💖
I really liked the words of this song. So am sharing it today...Do listen.
I discovered this song during the pandemic and thought the lyrics were so beautiful and uplifting. I haven't watched the Musical; but the words of this song are so lovely.
It's such a comforting song, that just makes you feel you are 'A Little Less Alone', in times and moments of extreme 'Loneliness', when the world seems to constantly remind you, that you have no one to call your own, and makes you feel so empty.😪
The lyrics of some songs, just have that ability to act like a balm and soothe your troubled mind and heart, at least for a little while...and when the song is sung by a Choir like this, they make it sound even better.
It's difficult to express and put into words, the 'Magic of a Melody'.✨️🎶...But songs like these, that touch your heart and soul, feel like a warm, tight hug from a loved one, that you have truly longed for and missed forever.🤗💖
(An old post that I shared on FB, five years ago, on the 29th of March '2020.)
When you are blessed with the gift of 'Time', it allows you to ponder and reflect, on life's many 'Blessings', and on the things, that we can be most 'Grateful' for.
One of those special Blessings in my life, is the gift of 'Friends'...Friends are truly a Gift.✨️💖
As we journey through life, we come across so many special people, who we call our Friends.
Some of these Friends, grow closer to us than others; while others, brighten our lives for just a few short moments.
Some Friends remain a part of our journey through life, for many years; while there are others, that we somehow lose touch with, somewhere along the way.
Some Friends help us 'Grow', some teach us 'Lessons for Life'; and some almost become like 'Family'.🤗💕
With some we share common interests, hopes and dreams; and others, stand by us through life's hardest times, and become a shoulder that we can lean on.
Some add Music and Colour to our lives; and a few others, just know how to make us 'Smile'.😊😊😊
Whether our Friends are with us everyday, or miles apart; each one always holds a special place in our heart.❤️
Thinking of all my Friends, old and new, near and far...
Miss the ones who are far away...
Grateful to God for every Friend, who has been a part of my Life, through the years. Thank you for being a 'Special Gift'.💕🌈😊
Sharing this beautiful song called 'Gift of a Friend'. Do listen.
(Another song that came up as a FB Memory. Originally posted there on 8th June, 2021.)
The pandemic was a difficult time for most people. But those of us who were already lonely, just felt even more isolated.
My mother had passed away only a year and a half, before the pandemic began. Even now, I struggle to deal with her absence in my life, every single day.
So, back in those days of 'Social Distancing', only I know, what I felt.
In those moments, songs like these offered 'Comfort and Reassurance'. We were still 'Alone'; but when we heard someone singing a song like this one, it just made us feel, a little less 'Lonely', at least for a little while.✨️💖
'Miles and miles of empty space in between us',
And nothing can really take the place, of those missing smiles...
...and yet, 'When we need Love', all we have to do is reach out, and someone who cares, will always be around.🙂💕
These two songs came up as FB Memories today. One shared on this day 7th June, in 2021 and one in 2023.
For many, many years now, I have always posted songs that I like, for friends to listen to.
During the pandemic years however, the frequency and number of songs that I shared, practically every single day, increased a lot; because the only thing I did in those terribly scary and isolated years, was 'Listen to Music'.🎶😊
It kept me company and made me feel a little less 'Alone'.✨️💖
SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDER 🎶
- Piano Instrumental (Paul Hankinson)
An instrumental version of one of my favourite John Denver songs. It has such a soothing and beautiful melody.❤️
(Song Lyrics)
'If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you, a day just like today;😊
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song, to make you feel this way.🎶
If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale, sure to make you smile;😊
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish, for sunshine all the while.'✨️
- John Denver 🎶
MOONLIGHT AND ROSES 🎶
- Jim Reeves
(Song Lyrics)
'Moonlight and roses
Bring wonderful memories of you
My heart reposes
In beautiful thoughts so true.
June light discloses
Love's golden dreams sparkling, anew
Moonlight and roses
Bring memories of you.'
Jim Reeves really sang some of the most beautiful songs.🙂💕
(Videos shared by others, from various pages on YT.)
(A FB Memory from this day, 2 years ago, 3rd June '2023.)
I heard this song today and liked it; because it is one, that can be interpreted in so many different ways.
Since Carole King hasn't really specified where 'this place' that she was talking about is, when she wrote the lyrics to 'Way over yonder'; it could refer to so many different places.
If you think of it as a Gospel song, then it could refer to a beautiful place like heaven...But it could also be speaking about any place, where one finds 'peace of mind and solitude'.
Maybe a nostalgic place, that's full of happy memories; or any place we are in at the present moment, which fills our hearts with comfort and joy, because the warm sunshine always shines down on us there.
It could even be a wonderful place in the future, that we hopefully look forward to being in some day.🎶😊
One song...but depending on the state of mind of the listener; it could mean different things to different people. I guess, that's the 'wonder of a lovely song'.✨️
WAY OVER YONDER
- Carole King
(Shared from a page on YT, where this song was posted by someone else.)
(There are times in life, when we look up to the heavens above, for answers, for solace, for comfort; because in some situations, 'Only God Knows', what's really going on.)
When I can't understand anything that's been happening...
When I just don't know, the reasons 'Why'...
When I'm completely 'Clueless' about what I did wrong, to deserve all of this...
When I really don't know what to do...
When I'm weighed down by hurt and sadness, and being totally 'Lost'...
I discovered this singer named JJ Heller, at some point, during the pandemic. She composes the simplest, sweetest and most meaningful 'Original Songs', together with her husband.
This is one of her very real songs, that lots of people would connect with.
A short chat that I had, a little while back, reminded me of this one.
(Originally written on FB, two years ago, on this day, 10th March '23.)
The Mirrors in our Eyes;
Clear Visions to See,
Piercing, Discerning,
Reflections of the Deepest Soul.
The Mirrors in our Minds;
On Constant Re-play,
Pondering, Wondering,
Reflections of Honest Truth.
The Mirrors in our Hearts;
Forever Aimlessly Lost,
Yearning, Longing,
Reflections of Devoted Love.
The Mirrors in our History;
Strolling Down Memory-Lane,
Unearthing, Discovering,
Reflections of a Forgotten Time.
The Mirrors in our Dreams;
A Walk into the Unknown,
Waking, Sleeping,
Reflections of Unfulfilled Desire.
The Mirrors in our Lives;
Like a Friend, Always There,
Accompanying, Guiding,
Reflections of Untampered Reality.
(I only ever had 'ONE REAL MIRROR' in my Life; and I see more and more of 'Her Reflection' staring back at me, every single day, each time I look into one.✨️❤️
I guess, that was the starting point of these reflective verses, when I wrote it two years ago.)
(A FB Memory from 3 years ago. This was originally written on the 5th of March '2022. It was a Women's Day concert, which had some of Mumbai's best Women singers on stage.)
I think I chose a really awesome show, for my first time back at the NCPA, after a gap of two long years, due to the pandemic. The Tata Theatre truly is one of my favourite places in Mumbai; and it has been so difficult, to stay away from it for such a long time.
Samantha Noella, Shazneen Arethna, Suzanne D'Mello Misquitta and Eden Alexander were just so amazing, singing together; backed by a really good band too. They picked some fabulous songs, that have been sung by many awesome women; and it goes without saying, they did full justice to every song.😍
It was great to hear Faustin Missier, playing in the band also.😊 I was very proud, to finally be there to hear one of my old students from DB, Vivian D'Souza on Bass Guitar, playing 'Live' at a concert at the NCPA.💕
The other musicians were amazing too. I especially loved all those varied percussion instruments. They added so much to every song.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What a feeling to hear a 'Live Performance' again, after two long years. Enjoying the entire show with friends and a couple of students too, that I happened to meet at the NCPA; and realising that we had all booked tickets so close to one another, was an added bonus.😊🎶
Was also happy to meet some fabulous singers, that I have enjoyed listening to over the last two years - Shanelle Ferreira, little Kaydeynce Mendonca and one of my favourites Eshaan Shaikh.❤
Travelling by Mumbai's lifeline again, after a very long gap, and discovering that nothing has changed at all in two years, was fun too.
Catching a glimpse of the sea again, at Marine Drive, and watching the sun set over the waters, is also something I haven't done, in such a long time.
(An old FB Memory, from this day 5 years ago. Written on 8th March '2020. It was one of the very last shows I went for, before everything shut down, due to the Lockdown.)
Music has the ability to make you happy and to lift your spirits, like nothing else can.😊
It had to be a completely uplifting and joyful afternoon, when you've spent it listening to some of the best Rock n' Roll hits, performed 'Live' in the award winning Musical, 'Million Dollar Quartet'.🎶
This 'International Cast', of exceptionally talented singers and musicians, had the audience swaying and tapping their feet, to the beat of every song; and it was fun, to see so many get up and dance too.💃🕺
The fact that I got a chance to watch and enjoy this Broadway and West End Musical, right here in Mumbai, at the Jamshed Bhabha, NCPA, was so great. Thanks to the team that brought this Production to India, once again.😊
I usually only post things that I have written myself, on my blog.✍️
But a few days ago, I came across this Forward, on someone's page.
Pooh and Piglet have always been 'My Favourites'. So, I had to share this, because it was so sweet. 😊
“It’s a quiet night tonight, isn’t it, Piglet?” said Pooh, gazing up at the stars.
“It certainly is,” said Piglet, his little paw resting on his Friend’s.
“What do you think the stars talk about?” asked Pooh. “When we’re not listening, I mean.”
Piglet thought for a moment. “I think they talk about Light,” he said. “About how even in the darkest skies, they shine as best as they can, no matter how small they are. Because they know someone, somewhere, is looking up and needs to see them.”
Pooh smiled. “That’s a lovely thought, Piglet. Do you think we’re like that too? Little Stars, shining for each other?”
Piglet nodded. “Yes, Pooh. I think that’s what we’re meant to do. To be a Little Light for someone, even when the night feels very big and very dark.”
Pooh sat quietly for a moment, then said, “If that’s true, Piglet, then I think you’re the 'Brightest Star' I know. Even on my gloomiest days, you make me feel like everything will be alright.”
“And you’re mine, Pooh,” said Piglet, softly. “Because with you, I always feel safe, even when the woods seem scary, or the path isn’t clear.”
The two Friends sat together under the stars, wrapped in the kind of quiet Love, that doesn’t need grand gestures or fancy words. Just Presence. Just Care. Just two Lights, shining for each other in the great big world.
“What do you think we should do tomorrow?” asked Pooh after a while.
“I think we should just Keep Shining,” said Piglet.✨️💖
...and then, reading that Forward, made me think of this song. It matches what Pooh and Piglet were talking about, perfectly.❤️
THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR 🎶 (Song Lyrics)
- Dionne Warwick ft. Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder
And I never thought I'd feel this way,
And as far as I'm concerned,
I'm glad I got the chance to say,
That I do believe I Love You.
And if I should ever go away,
Well, then close your eyes and try,
To feel the way we do today,
And then, if you can remember.
Keep Smiling, Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
That's what Friends are for.
For good times and bad times,
I'll be on your side, forever more,
That's what Friends are for.
Well, you came and opened me,
And now there's so much more I see,
And so by the way I Thank You.
Oh and then, for the times when we're apart,
Well, then close your eyes and know,
These words are coming from my heart.
And then if you can remember.
Oh, Keep Smiling and Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
That's what Friends are for.
In good times and bad times,
I'll be on your side forever more,
Oh, that's what Friends are for.
Keep Smiling, Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
That's what Friends are for.
For good times and bad times,
I'll be on your side forever more,
That's what Friends are for.
Keep Smiling, Keep Shining,
Knowing you can always 'Count on Me', for sure,
'Cause I tell you, That's what Friends are for.
For good times and for bad times,
I'll be on your side forever more,
That's what Friends are for
(That's what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure,
(Count on me for sure,
Count on me for sure.)
That's what Friends are for.
Keep Smiling, Keep Shining. ✨️💖
(Video shared from another YT page and the lovely picture and Forward, I just found on the Internet.)
(FB Memories from different years, written on this day.)
2nd March '2020 ✍️
30 years today, since the day your life came to a sudden and abrupt end, in an unexpected way.
30 years today, of longing and wishing and hoping, that you were still here, almost every single day.
30 years, since I first learned what it means to lose a loved one, my little brother Nathan, when I was only a 10 year old child.
30 years seems like a long time, and as time goes by, I have learned how to cope and smile, like you smiled.
The one thing that has lived on though, even 30 years since the 2nd of March'1990, are the memories of this day.
And even though, I know you won't be reading this today, I guess it's just my way of remembering you on this day, even 30 years later.✨️💖
2nd March '2022 ✍️
32 years today, since I couldn't even say Goodbye;
32 years of wondering and constantly asking 'Why'?🤔
Over three decades of wishing you were still here,
So that I could be your bossy old 'big sister' dear.😊
But 'Life is a puzzle' that I don't even try to comprehend,
A mystery, so complex, with unexpected twists at every bend.
So, every moment I think of you and miss you more,
And hope someday we meet again, on some heavenly shore.✨️💖
2nd March '2024 ✍️
34 years today, since that untimely and unexpected sudden farewell, on the 2nd of March 1990.
In an age of taking countless digital pics, where we constantly save more moments in photographs and videos, than we ever have the time to go back and look through again; there is something extra-special about old photo albums and the few pictures we have, of precious memories, with those that aren't with us anymore.
I never stop wishing, I could have had more pics and more memories; but life didn't exactly give me a choice. Of course, I do treasure and cherish the photographs that I still have from back then, even though they may be only a few.
You are always remembered Nathan and forever missed.✨️💖
2nd March '2025 ✍️
2nd of March' 1990.❤️
35 years later...
I still remember each moment of that unforgettable day, like it was yesterday.😪
I often wonder, 'What if that day had turned out differently'?🤔
People often tell you to 'Forget and to Move On' with your Life; but I strongly disagree. I Love to Remember, because what are we without 'Special Happy Memories'.💞
I never understand the logic of 'Moving On'.
How can we 'Move On', from the 'Loved Ones', who once made up our entire world? 🤔
How can we 'Just Forget' them, simply because many, many years or decades have gone by? 🤔
What if I was the one who had gone first, and I was just forgotten, as the years passed by? 🤔
I don't think I would like being replaced by someone else, so easily, and completely forgotten by my Family.
So, I 'Choose to Remember', every single day.
And, I 'Choose to Hold On', at every step of the way. ✨️💖
Days like today, make me think of songs like these. 🎶❤️
Some days are just more difficult to get through than others, even 35 years later...and when you have to multiply those days by three, you have a lot of those days, all year round.😪
But Thanks to those who always remind me, that a lot of my friends and loved ones still care. Each Like, Hug and Comment on a FB post that I share, on a day like today, (that may be 'Just Another Day' to everyone else; but one, that is 'Significant and Important' to me), means so much.
