Could We Skip This Song?

Could We Skip This Song?  A Love Story

This weekend, my fiancé Jon and I went to Bend, OR for a weekend getaway.  The weather was perfect for window-shopping in the downtown area.  A lovely dress caught my eye in one particular boutique, so we both went inside to browse.  To my delight, they had my size and with the thumbs up from both Jon and the lovely store owner, I went into the dressing room to try it on.

That’s when the song came on: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole.

This song, though beautiful, is a knife to the heart.  This song was played at the memorial service of my youngest brother, Alex.  You know, it’s so easy to get lost in your own mind when you’re triggered by an event in your past.  I went from being present in a boutique to standing in a cold church recreation room where the family gathered after Alex’s service.  I saw the white linoleum on the floors, the red eyes of the bereaved, family shaken and holding to each other for support.  Though there were several tender songs playing, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was haunting during that terrible time. 

It was then that I heard Jon’s voice:

“Could we skip this song?”

My breath caught in my chest.  The song immediately stopped and another song began to play.

I was completely stunned.  I heard gentle talking and Jon’s voice, but couldn’t pick up another word he said.

My heart swelled in my chest.  This is love, pure and true.  Someone cared so much for me that he wanted to shield me from sadness.  A sadness that only he knew about, acknowledged, and wanted to protect me from. 

I left the dressing room and ran straight into his arms.  This is what it’s like to be in love.  To find someone that your heart sings for.  We left hand-in-hand, our connection becoming that much deeper.  We are living my favorite love story.