Part of a Bigger Story, Part of a Timeless Song

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.

That myth is more potent than history 

That dreams are more powerful than facts

That hope always triumphs over experience

That laughter is the only cure for grief

And I believe that love is stronger than death

Those are words of Robert Fulghum who when I read them convinces me he continued to learn new and important things well beyond kindergarten.

In 1994, three years before my dad died, our family celebrated my folks 50th wedding anniversary. I wrote a book – 50 chapters – about their life – their love – and at the end about how their love helped bring Fulghum's words to life because my parents woke every morning and faced together whatever life had to offer to them or ask from them. They faced that life together both in the light that shown from their love and the shadows that were cast by their love. Together with that love they faced birth and death, joy and sorrow, hope and despair, abundance and want. Surely their love has been more satisfying than they could have imagined; more difficult than they could have known. The history of their love will be transcended in time and truth by the wonder and myth that is also their love. (I do believe) their dreams have proven more powerful than facts. Hope has triumphed over experiences. Laughter has proven, if not a cure, at least an antidote to grief. And I have come to believe their love, which grew stronger every day of its life, is and will some way prove to be stronger than death. Becoming a love for the ages.

Yes, a love for the ages as well as Part of a Bigger Story, Part of a Timeless Song

Honoring my folks with stories singing songs saying their names

Thinking ‘bout all they took with them and about all that remains

In a way they are together now at home where they belong

Part of a bigger story part of a timeless song

Some say they’re in a better place while I don’t know that for sure

I’m sure this world’s a better place because of who they were

Though they are no longer with us in ways they are not gone

Part of a bigger story part of a timeless song

Never met their great-granddaughter though I believe it’s true

They’re part of her life story she’s part of their story too

There are ways we are connected that go on and on and on

Part of a bigger story part of a timeless song

The truest thing there is in life is that all of us will  die

Though I believe it’s also true part of us stays alive

Part of an endless chorus all singing along

Part of a bigger story part of a timeless song

Here is a link to the Part One of the One Love and Two Lives Podcast Series.

Listen to and take home (download) a studio recording of One Love and Two Lives.