It is said the firsts after you lose a loved one are the most difficult – the first birthday, the first Christmas, the first anniversary. It is also said the death of a loved one is something you never get over. You just find new ways to live.
Today, Carol and I would have celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. One month from today will mark one year since Carol passed away – another first. In a couple of days, there will be a New Year to welcome. Yet, another first.
2023 was a tough year. Losing three family members within a few months of each other was very difficult. I’m hoping 2024 will be kinder.
To commemorate our wedding anniversary, I put a short video together in remembrance of Carol. Some of the clips were taken in Winnipeg this summer during Carol’s Celebration of Life, while others are more recent. The river scenes were filmed along the Crowsnest River at a location where Carol last accompanied me while I took photos with my camera, one sunny afternoon, not long before she passed. The music is The Sweet Sound of You by The Paper Kites, a rock/folk band from Melbourne, Australia. The song was released on February 24th of this year, less than a month after Carol passed. The lyrics resonated with me the first time I listened to the song. It was as if they were written with me in mind. Thanks to Caroline and Dorothy for sharing their videos of balloons and butterflies.
The Paper Kites will be appearing in Vancouver, BC on March 10th, 2024, Calgary, AB on March 12th, Edmonton, AB on March 13th, and Winnipeg, MB on March 15th. I will be in Calgary to watch them perform there.
For the best viewing, watch the video on a larger monitor or your Smart TV. Be sure the HD setting is selected to watch in high definition. To view the video, click on the link below.
The Sweet Sound of You
(The Paper Kites – 2023)
Well, the days are getting colder now
And the nights are getting longer
Feels like half the world has gone to sleep
‘Till the weather blows right over
But when I’m on my own
I still hear the sweet sound of you
Echoes through the home
I still hear the sweet sound of you
There’s a place I like to go sometimes
Sit and watch the day turn over
Watch the trees turn to shadows now
See the light changing her colours
But when it fades away
I still hear the sweet sound of you
Just that time of day
I still hear the sweet sound of you
Well, you know we’re getting older now
People talking, children playing
It gets hard to find the time to say
The things we know we should be saying
But when I think it’s gone
I still hear the sweet sound of you
Echoes through the home
I still hear the sweet sound
The sweet sound of you
6 Comments
Vic this was such a beautiful video and tribute. You are so right about the lyrics being a perfect fit – very very moving.
I hope you have the strength and memories of Carol to make it through all the remaining firsts awaiting you. Thanks for sharing your journey. You have so many travelling with you in spirit.
Thinking of you as we move into 2024.
All the best
Gerry
Hi Gerry,
I’m glad you like the video. I wanted to share some of the things we did for Carol at her Celebration of Life earlier this year and some of my feelings about our/my loss. It has been a long journey for my family but comments like yours have helped a lot and are much appreciated. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Wonderful lyrics Vic, thanks for sharing. The best to you in 2024 my friend.
Hi Jim,
Thank you. I thought it was the perfect song for this. Happy New Year!
I have been thinking of you Vic, through this holiday season and the difficulties it can represent, and likely would. No easy way through except forward, with hopefully sufficient support from friends and family. Hang in there my friend. You will find your way. Best regards for a better year ahead.
Hi Bob,
2023 was a challenging year. I am optimistic about 2024 and that it will be a good year. Happy New Year!