Thanksgiving Songs

What love song would I send myself?

The timing is uncanny, because I have been working on a playlist of music as a background to Thanksgiving. I was searching through my thousands of digital files for the perfect ambiance to a day of gratitude. A love song to myself seemed to be the perfect reflection that while I am grateful for many things in my life, that this Thanksgiving would still be one of private sadness.

After all, last Thanksgiving was two and a half months after we lost Nelle; and I had just learned that I was pregnant with Iris. Such a sharp contrast to this year.

There are a few songs of sorrow that float around in my mind. Some that I played over and over after the losses. None of which I really look at and think of as "their song" — the song that every time I hear it, I immediately think of them. All of the songs only invoked tears or emptiness.

Yesterday, while putting together my Thanksgiving playlist, I found "their song" - the song that properly envelopes love and longing. This song was also one that I sang in high school choir; all the more reason to be attached to it.

In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life.
I'll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you'll be.
-Faith Hill

My Thanksgiving playlist ended up being 49 songs long, but here are a few more that played in the background as we prepared the food.

1. "Stand by Me", Playing for Change version
2. "Our House" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash
3. "Better" by Regina Spektor
4. "Good Life" by OneRepublic
5. "I'll Cover You (Reprise)" from Rent
6. "Danny's Song" by Kenny Loggins and Jodi Messina
7. "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies
8. "All Good Gifts" from Godspell
9. "Absence of Fear" by Jewel
10. "For Good" from Wicked