The songs that tell my story

Dear Readers, I've published 33 blogs in It Takes a Village and almost all of them follow the same format of 2–3-minute non-fiction short stories. This week I decided to take my writing in a different direction... song lyrics. Maybe I'm feeling a little extra spirited and adventurous because my birthday is tomorrow. Cheers to that. I've been on the job as Evangeline's mom for almost nine months. That's enough time for me to create a list of songs that best tell my story and embody my feelings as a new mom, new parent, stay-at-home mom (SAHM) and also a working mom.

My Top 8 Songs (in no particular order)

1. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There is a Season) by the Byrds (1965) As the song says, to everything there is a season. Meaning there is an appropriate time for everything to occur and we are meant to experience things at certain times of our lives. I often say that I'm staying home with Evangeline at this season of my life, knowing full well that it won't last forever. My life currently is full of "seasons," or temporary positions. These song lyrics are also lifted from one of my favorite bible verses in the book of Ecclesiastes. This one is also a nod to my own rediscovery of faith. 2. The Mother by Brandi Carlise (2017) I first heard this song the night that Evangeline was born. I vividly remember laying in my hospital bed, aching and sore from my cesarian and being absolutely moved by the lyrics. I felt so emotionally fragile and vulnerable and could hardly get past the first few lyrics without crying. Not only was she singing about being the mom to a little girl named Evangeline (her "tethered" lyric hits differently as a SAHM) but she touches on the complex feelings of motherhood that I would soon be experiencing. Specifically, "all my rowdy friends around accomplishing their dreams, but I am the mother of Evangeline." I remember feeling how the world had moved on to bigger things and had made greater accomplishments while I was left behind with this tiny baby. Early motherhood can be very lonely. 3. Times Like These by Foo Fighters (2003) I would consider this in my top 10 songs in my lifetime playlist, so naturally it has to be included. The lyrics and overall messaging can be applied to many special moments in your life but especially the first time you become a parent. Dave Grohl says it best, "it's times like these you learn to live again." Since Evangeline has been here, I have often said that I have something to live for now. 4. This is the Time by Billy Joel (1986)

This one relates to my first song with the "seasons" of our lives. The chorus particularly speaks to me when I think about how quickly time passes. Being a SAHM, there are tiring moments or phases that I often wish would quickly pass. Then, during a quiet moment of reflection during the day I think about how I will someday miss this time. I often struggle to miss these moments as I'm experiencing them... but at the same time I don't want to forget them. "This is the time to remember, cause it will not last forever. These are the days to hold on to, cause we won't, although we'll want to." The words sting with truth.

5. Sweet Child O'Mine by Eliza Lumley (cover from Guns N' Roses) (2009)

This cover is simply beautiful. The piano, string instruments and delicate female voice signing about a girl, like Evangeline, with eyes of the "bluest skies" makes me warm inside. I immediately feel the upside of heartache that I have described in another blog.

6. In My Room by The Beach Boys (1963) In those early days I spent a lot of time laying on my bed resting while Evangeline slept. My room was my safe and quiet place and I remember reflecting about motherhood and questioning if we would make it through the mental haze and exhaustion. Though this one represents one of darkest times of the past nine months, the angelic harmonies of The Beach Boys make this one of the most beautiful songs ever created. 7. I Am a Rock by Simon & Garfunkel (1966) There are some symbolic similarities with "In My Room" for this one. Like the lyrics, the month of December was one of the hardest times for me, as far as adjusting to life with a new baby. Even though I had many visitors and people checking up on me, I remember that time period feeling very lonely and isolating. Despite the magic of the holidays, aspects of this time did feel like a "deep and dark" December. 8. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles (1969)

This one is me coming into happiness and contentless in my life. I look back and notice the tone and imagery used in my blogs change. Symbolically, the sky and clouds are clearing, making room for the sun. We know it's about much more than weather patterns. When I hear it, I feel at peace with my changing identity as a mother and my purpose in the world.