To help me while grieving, I had songs commissioned about Jason. The songs were created from my memories with Jason, and I shared them with the singer/songwriter. She then created such beautiful lyrics and music to bring these cherished memories alive! Some days I listen to them on repeat for an hour, to just remember, honor, and put myself back in the time before ALS. They bring me so much joy, and I hope others who know Jason also enjoy the songs, and smile when listening to them.
One of the songs is called And Sing and Dance Again, and it refers to the fun things we have done as a family (Jason, our children, and I), and it includes his motto – Be Kind, Work Hard, Make a Difference. The chorus goes like this: “He left a legacy, and left us with these memories, his jokes and stories and all of his life lessons, they all keep him alive, and keep my smile bright, one day we’ll reunite and sing and dance again.” The words just lift me up and put a huge smile on my face.
Another song I had commissioned was called Better, and it is about Jason’s and my relationship as high school sweethearts and soulmates through everything. Again, the chorus is a perfect summary of what I wanted the song to convey: “It’s a better world to live in, because he was in it, and even though I miss him he made me a better woman, like his favorite poem said, it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” This song is upbeat, I sway and reminisce when I listen to it.
The last song I had commissioned was a love song about Jason’s blue eyes and other wonderful features. It’s called Blue and the chorus goes: “I miss that ear-to-ear smile, the eyes that always said “I’ve got you” or “I love you”, and “don’t worry, it will be alright”, when I am feelin’ blue, I close my eyes and see his so blue.” It’s priceless.
All 3 of those songs were written and produced by Brittany Hadley.
As National Grief Awareness Day was approaching, I decided I wanted to do something as a thank you for the organizations that have had the most impact to my family through this ALS journey: I AM ALS, Live Like Lou Foundation, and the Les Turner ALS Foundation. I asked Brittany if she would be interested in writing another song that would tie all of these wonderful organizations together; to bring hope and awareness to other families who may be experiencing grief or sorrow, and therefore need an emotional lift – even if it’s for only 3 minutes! If I can help put a smile on someone’s face today, I will do my best.
The song was perfect, it’s called We Are Not Alone. The chorus is just beautiful, and it really sums up the mission and impact of each of the organizations: “They’ve given us clarity and hope, a place to turn to built on love when the path ahead is unknown, they have left the light on, a home away from home, to guide us and remind us that we are not alone.”
My hope is that IAA, LLL and LTALSF understand the impact they are making and how much the ALS Community appreciates the hard work they all put forth to eventually make this a world free of ALS! Additionally, I hope the song We Are Not Alone puts a smile on the community and provides comfort during times of need.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story.