Sunday, July 3, 2011

Favorites

"When the dog bites. When the bee stings. When I'm feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad..." lyrics from "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music

I don't know why, but the last several weeks I find myself humming this song. And then it leads me to think, not of my favorite things, but rather of Austin's.

So I decided to rewrite the song for him.

AUSTIN'S FAVORITE THINGS
(Sung to the tune "My Favorite Things")

Mudding, wakeboarding, and fast dirtbike riding
Climbing up mountains and crazy snowboarding
Dinosaur BBQ, hot chicken wings
These are a few of Austin’s favorite things

Helping a buddy do work on his house
A cute little kitten that might chase a mouse
Hanging with friends, lots of Monster drinkings
These are a few of Austin’s favorite things

Joking and laughing while working on cars
Sitting on roof tops just gazing at stars
Bon fires, cook-outs, and all of the likings
These are a few of Austin’s favorite things

When the tears fall
When the loss stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember his favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad



After singing the song, I find my mind moving to the "name association" game. I think of a word and the first thing that pops into my head is "Austin". Before I know it, I start sounding like a broken record...

Blue eyes - Austin... Mischevous smile - Austin... Contagious laughter - Austin
Motorcycles - Austin... Dirt Bikes - Austin

Fixing cars - Austin... Hanging a light fixture - Austin... Rewiring - Austin
Lending a helping hand - Austin... Chatting it up with a stranger - Austin

Chipless Chocolate Chip Cookies - Austin... Strawberries, melon, fruit - Austin
Tomato/cucumber salad - Austin... Cucumbers in vinegar - Austin...
Homemade mac & cheese - Austin... Caprese salad - Austin
Mountain Dew - Austin... Shock Top - Austin... Monster - Austin...

Hiking - Austin... Camping - Austin
Mudding - Austin... Donuts in snowy parking lots - Austin
Table top, bar top, or coasters made out of bottle caps - Austin
Dinosaur BBQ - Austin... Hanging out with friends - Austin

And most important: Living Life to the Fullest - Austin, Austin, Austin!


So, the next time you're missing Austin, start playing the name association game; before you know it you'll be smiling and singing...

When the tears fall
When the loss stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember Austin's favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

2 comments:

  1. Two nights ago, at 2:30am i went outside and layed in the middle of my abandoned road. i stared at the stars and found the brightest one. Austin. I talked to Austin for at least an hour. Just telling him everything. Memories, thoughts, and thanking him for touching my life in a big way. I told Austin how he has changed someone who has only known him through high school and brief conversations. But, no matter how brief they were, i always learned something powerful. I also learned from Austin at Crosswinds church when i attended youth group nights. Austin was the brightest star in anyones life, and he sure shines the brightest in the sky! I hope Austin, and everyone else, knows what a wonderful, influential person he was, and continues to be. Austin touched every life he interacted with, and although his passing was devistating to us here on Earth, he is a gift to those receiving him above.

    Austin, you were the man, and I miss you!

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