June 1, 2019
It feels like just a few weeks ago I wrote down this whole huge post about Cinematic, my Pop, and my niece. I pretty much said it all a year ago so I don’t need to go through every detail again this time. Today is more of a celebration of things. Celebration and remembering.
So of course, June 1 will always be a special day for me. Today marks 8 years since my grandpa went home to be at peace with the Lord. Pop I miss you still. Sometimes more than others. Of course I’ve gotten quite used to life now that it’s been near a decade. I know you’re home, happy, and in complete joy and peace. I just wish it were easier to talk to you sometimes. And to hear back from you. I have a rough idea of what your reactions would be watching me grow up. And your other grandkids. And the whole family. I still have that same picture on my nightstand, out in the open, of us during the last few years of your life here. (Wow, I’ve always been a nerd.) I miss you, but I know you’re right here. And I can’t wait for you to see all the things I’m going to do. Even though you probably know them all way before I do. The experience is what counts, though.
Today also marks the 8th birthday of my niece. Dear, I still remember your tiny, hours old face from the day you were born. I mean, the picture is in the slideshow for Pop’s funeral, so that probably explains why I can pull it straight from memory now. I’m sad you never got to meet him. But you will one day, and even though you never met on this Earth, that doesn’t mean he loves you any less. And neither do I. And I can’t wait to watch you grow up and see the wonderful woman you’ll become and the powerful things you’ll do. Because already, at 8 years old, I can tell you’re a strong girl. Physically in taking down your brother, yes, but mostly you’re determined. Some might say stubborn, but even so, that strong willed part of you can be used for incredible things. I can’t wait to see.
And lastly, today marks 1 year since a very specific and very special album was released. My all time favourite artist released what very well might be my all time favourite album to date. Owl City’s “Cinematic” is a whole year old already, and I almost don’t believe it. I think because this is the first album of his I was present for through the whole thing, since before the announcement, my constant involvement in updates and new releases and whatnot made clearer memories, which makes it feel more recent still. I won’t go through the whole album track by track this time. I’ve already done that, my part, for now, is said. But nonetheless, this album really means a lot more to me than I ever thought it would. Almost every song is able to find a personal connection to me, in one way or another. Songs have made me cry. Songs have made me belly laugh. Songs have made me just rest in happy memory. The last track on the album, “Firebird (Alt Version)” definitely came out on top for me. It fights for my numbers one song of all quite often. It very well might be. This song, and this version, the way it’s crafted, is my life story right now. Maybe not exactly, with the whole theme of the two siblings throughout, and certain scenarios. But the general aspect of growing up and moving on with life very much is. I said it all last year because I thought I had my year planned out ahead of me. (I was wrong, again.) This year I find myself in a very similar situation. (And I won’t be surprised if this one turns out drastically different too.) Either way, whatever happens, everything is changing. I’m in the midst of it. No matter where you are, as time goes on, things change. Even for me, being stuck at home wishing I was somewhere else for months on end, everything is changing still. And I’m so excited. Scared a little, yes, but excited a whole lot more.
So happy anniversary. To life, to new life, and to changing life.
This ride is wild. And I can’t wait for more.
