Many of you who, like me, are part of the Baby Boomer generation will recognize the above phrase as a line from Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”. It’s a great song that epitomizes life’s frustrations and triumphs. Every once in a while my dad would come home late from work and the six of us gathered in the living room would hear him singing this song on his way up the front steps. He’d come inside, head upstairs and continue singing in the shower. Old “blue eyes” never sounded this strong. Dad sang and the raw emotion in his voice made us feel the depths of despair and the thrill of triumphing over it. We could hear the loneliness of taking the whole world on his back and getting knocked to his knees by life, and the joy of rising back up and overcoming the blows that life had dealt him. We’d sit together in the living room and smile at each other, feeling the special moment in our hearts.
My daughter tells me I have brought this tradition into our house as well. She knows her music well, having sung in many choir groups over the years, and she swears that although I can’t normally carry a tune I somehow sound good when I belt these triumphant songs out after a great week.
As you fight life’s battles and take the hits it will deliver, if you have one of those rare great days don’t be afraid to sing about it loud and proud. Let your family feel it, appreciate it and experience it with you. Savor the moment, and be grateful for it.
Happy Father’s Day,
Ro