FAWM: "The Softest Landing"

The Softest Landing

2 weeks ago by @kadmad202

The Softest Landing

kadmad202

00:00

Liner Notes

#heartfelt #acoustic #girlwithguitar #singersongwriter #caregiver #elderlylovedone

This is a simple, bare bones story song about my wife's aunt, whose last few years have been challenging to say the least. Sue (wife) has been her long-time caregiver and advocate, and I am in constant awe at the patience, dedication, love, and affection she continually shows as she makes this journey with her. I am support staff only, but it is an honor to walk along side of these two and do whatever small thing I can. A shout-out to my friend Fred, who first introduced me to the idea of wanting elderly loved-ones to have that "soft landing" at the end of their lives. It is such a sweet hope.

Lyrics

She was born in ’26
She’ll be 99 this year
She spends her days in memory care
In a borrowed, black wheelchair

She’s not so lost to dementia
That she doesn’t recognize
The faces of those who love her
You can see it in her eyes

Her beloved husband of 60 years
Died when COVID first began
The paramedics whisked him off
She never saw him again

No funeral service, no good-bye
Nothing but the deepest hole
Of loss that even now runs through
To the bottom of her soul

The body is a funny thing
And the will to live demanding
We who love her pray most everyday
That she’ll have the softest landing

She sleeps more now than ever
Her legs no longer stable
But when dinner is announced
She’s always at the table

So on she goes, and on we go
When it ends no one can tell
But we’ll walk this journey with her
Until it’s time to say farewell

The body is a funny thing
And the will to live demanding
We who love her pray most everyday
That she’ll have the softest landing

Lord, we pray to you with all our hearts
That she’ll have the softest landing

Comments

@bethdesombre 21h

Such a sensitive portrait. Love some of the details that reveal more than mere description ("borrowed black wheelchair"). And that "The body is a funny thing" stanza is gorgeous and loving -- and the idea of "the softest landing." May we all have one.

@hummingbear 1d

I listened to this once, then asked a friend, whose mother has metastatic cancer, to listen to it. My own mother died long ago. We had a heartfelt conversation.

This song brings all the words and all the feels. Thanks for making a bridge - from music to discussion.

@prsongsmith 4d

Oh, I didn’t expect to find this so moving. Brought back memories of my mother in law, who we lost around this time in 2023. (I wrote three different songs about her) What a lovely, lovely song, and so beautifully performed and recorded. Thank you.

@nancyrostMod 6d

A lot of truth in these words, and sensitively rendered. I like how that title line hangs on the V7 and gently lands the last time. Sending kind thoughts for your aunt-in-law and family.

@audrey 1w

This is a very touching song with a lovely lyric supported beautifully by your gentle guitar playing and singing. I love the title too. Beautiful song!

@chipwithrow 1w

This song touches me so deeply - my mom is in memory care. Your singing and guitar are delicate and thoughtful and lovely. And wonderful detail in the lyrics. Thanks for this one!

@hbusse 1w

What a tender tribute to a beloved family member. “So on she goes, and on we go…” love that lyric. A lovely folk tribute in your reassuring voice.

@mbmusic 2w

Beautiful and heartfelt song! Thanks for sharing!

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The Softest Landing

Liner Notes

Lyrics

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