From Dad to Mom - I'm A Better Man (B. Bacharach, H. David) ~ Erwin Lazaro 139

The union between people who truly love one another is the greatest treasure of our world. It’s a shame that the mundane details of life get in the way of that love. On top of that, it seems that people are facing more and more adversities with each passing day. I can’t shake this feeling that “the ways of our world” are getting worse before getting better again. I’m an optimist through and through, but I’m digging deeper into my bag of sunshine in order to keep my smile shining brightly. I won’t let my smile turn upside down. I also carry a sword of hope that I wield freely and I do my best to be a positive force. But, I’m not sure if I need to hone my sword or hone my skills or both. At times, I feel like I’m swinging my sword like a crazed maniac, and seemingly with my eyes closed. Somehow, I also feel like I’m preparing for battle. I just can’t shake this feeling.

In addition to the sadness that permeates the daily news, in addition to the tragedies that few will recognize, almost every day, I’m learning about very difficult circumstances of a personal nature. These are people who I know personally, be it family or friends or family friends and so forth, that are facing very difficult circumstances. I’m overwhelmed and I get shaken when I focus on the details. I have to stop myself from being consumed by sadness. My armor is battered. I’m feeling weak.

Murphy, wherever you’re hiding, come out and get out and never come again (reference to Murphy’s Law).  Yet, in the midst of this horrendous chaos, I have hope.
I listen to my wife sing a happy tune in the way that only my wife can sing. I listen to my children enjoy each other and giggle like they own the world. I wish they did.
I think of my dad’s love and his incredible will.
I think of my mom’s love and her eternal peace.
I think of my sister and her indomitable character.
I think of the goodness that permeates our world.
I know that goodness is here.

I have so much more to write, but it won’t fit within this description box for this limited blog. Instead, I’ve accompanied this blog with the magic that renews my spirit on a daily basis. I’m sharing my emotions in a way that words alone cannot. I’m using the music to express what I cannot with endless text. The cover I’m posting for this week means so very much to me because of the context of its importance within my life. “I’m A Better Man” is one of those songs permanently etched within my heart because of my mom and my dad. Because my love for all of my family is always within my heart, my strength is continually renewed. My fears are held at bay. And, the music is my second weapon for battle. I’m a dual wielder trying to cut my way through the adversities of this world around me. Sorry, I’m not promoting violence with descriptive reference, but I refuse to sit back and let my fears best me.

My musings may sound a bit comical, but I really am seeking ways to help when I can. At this time in my life, I’m singing and I’m writing and I’m sharing both. For those of you who’ve contacted me and let me know that I’m helping in my small way, you’ve also made me stronger. You’ve given me even more inspiration to continue what I’m doing. Even so, I hope to be more effective. I’ll keep seeking better ways. More importantly, I must act upon those opportunities WHEN they come to me. HAH, how does that sound for hope!?!

From Wikipedia:
The words and music for “I’m A Better Man” are by Hal David and Burt Bacharach.