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Music and Rituals

 Growing up with music, I would always listen to different types, especially based on who I was around. Whether it was a wedding, funeral, with my family, with my friends, with my sister, etc. A specific memory I recall was at one of my best friends mothers funeral. It was a rough and unexpected time, and lonely as well. This was a second mom to me, and she was close with all of my family. We would always listen to country music whenever we were all together, for example, the Kentucky Derby, graduations, and get togethers. The artists that always seemed to be on was Dan + Shay. During the funeral, there were many songs being played that we all remembered listening to with her, but the most memorable one was Speechless by Dan + Shay. This song really struck us when it turned on, as she always lit up a room when she walked in, she was breathtakingly beautiful and was important to everyone around her. Ever since, I have never been able to listen to this song the same. It's a reminder for me of her memory, in a bittersweet way.


One ritual my family and I participate in every summer is going to the lake. Whenever we are there, the only music we ever listen to is country. The lake and summer has always been associated with country or rock music. We would get on the boat, listen to country music, and go tubing. Around this time is also my sisters birthday, so it would be a birthday present for my sister. We would always get a cake every year and stay for a few days. I can't listen to country music unless it is summer and I'm at the lake, beach, or pool. My sister is the one who really got me into listening to country music. Specific artists include Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Zac Brown Band, Darius Rucker, etc. A specific song we always remember to play is Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. Fun fact, he also performed at one of my best friends parents weddings before he got super famous! He went to high school in Kentucky, where I am from.



Overall, I have a lot of memories with country music, which fits because I am from Kentucky! It has always been a big part of my life!

Comments

  1. Seleyna NicholsNovember 9, 2024 at 5:12 PM

    Hi Avery! losing someone that important to you can be a very dark and lonely time and I am so so sorry for your loss. I am so happy that you guys got to celebrate her with music that brought you so many memories of you guys together and how her energy lit up any room she walked into.

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  2. Emmy EstradaNovember 9, 2024 at 8:18 PM

    I love how you spoke about sad and happy memories and how country music especially plays a big role in some of your closest relationships. I definitely can relate to a certain song reminding me of certain people. I also completely agree and relate to how you can only listen to country during the summer at the pool or beach.

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  3. Lydia LawrenceNovember 10, 2024 at 7:25 PM

    Hi Avery! I'm so sorry to read about your loss, but thank you for sharing her memory with us. Modern country music is such a versatile genre – what started off as one sound has blended with almost every other genre to create unique songs of all different moods. It's interesting that it's been in your life through some of your best and worst memories. Much love!

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  4. Jordan RiceNovember 10, 2024 at 10:16 PM

    Hey Avery! I’m so sorry for your loss, and I love that you were able to create a lasting memory of your loved one. I actually love that song by Dan + Shay it’s been a favorite of mine since I first heard it. Pieces played at funerals remain in your head forever but I believe it can be a great last memory for someone that will be missed dearly. Overall your blog was very heart-warming and touching, thank you for sharing this memory with us

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dre'Kevan ThomasNovember 12, 2024 at 5:02 PM

    Hey Avery, Your blog is the best one because you got two songs that played on repeat and especially Tennessee Whiskey I listened to this almost every day before practice and a game. That song just hits a different part of the soul. I also love Dan+Shay because I was strolling on TikTok and heard someone singing 10,000 hours and every since then I been listening to them but I love your blog.

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