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Katie M. Reid

Finding Grace in the Unraveling of Life

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in 31 Days with My Brother

31 Days with My Brother: The Tributes

Disclaimer:  Day #21 is not a post about the tributes from The Hunger Games (although I have posted about that book before), this post is about the song tributes that my brother used to play to honor people’s lives, deaths, and other momentous occasions.  He is a personal deejay of sorts.

My whole family likes music….and Brian is no exception.  He went through years and years of playing tributes for people down in his room.  Backstreet Boys, old Hillsong worship, and even some New Kids on the Block songs were a big part of his repertoire.  At our wedding reception he brought down the house recreating Backstreet’s choreography to Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).

After Brian would play a song for someone he would come upstairs and
announce who he did the tribute for.  It amazes me how he specifically
remembers people’s birthdays, anniversaries, and deaths (old boyfriends,
childhood friends, extended family, etc).

One time after Writing Sis had a bad break up my brother thought a song from the musical Mamma Mia would be fitting, Take A Chance on Me.

 “If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down.”
-ABBA

After my mom’s dad (Poppy) had passed away Brian went down in the
basement and my aunt heard him wailing loudly.  She thought he was
mourning.  My mom said he was playing a tribute for Poppy and singing
(off key) to the music.  My aunt was so touched by that.


In the early 80’s we moved to Connecticut and lived in a house where songwriter Michael Kelly Blanchard had lived.  One day Michael’s wife saw Brian get off the school bus, hug my mom, and put his lunchbox away.  Later this observation became the inspiration for a few lines in a wonderful song that he wrote called, Danny’s Downs.

“He takes the bus home by himself
Puts his lunch pail back upon the shelf
And he hugs his Momma till she melts
To the floor.”
 -Michael Kelly Blanchard

You need to hear this song (below) and view the lyrics here (Danny’s Downs).  Such an amazing song that God has used to bless so many; a tribute of sorts.

Please pause the song on my blog first so you can hear this clearly.

Deep Breaths: If you could pick a song to summarize this past year what would it be?

Is there a particular hymn or worship song (or Backstreet Boys song) that has been ministering to you in a special way lately?

Take some quite moments today, take a deep breath, and listen to one of theses songs; allow the words to minister to you as you rest in the Lord’s presence.

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Filed Under: 31 Days with My Brother Tagged With: 31 Days, family, songs, tribute

Previous Post: « 31 Days with My Brother: Transition
Next Post: 31 Days with My Brother: Control Issues »

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Hi, I'm Katie (a Modern Martha, wife, and mom to five). I'm so glad you're here! Let's enjoy some cut-to-the-chase conversation over hot or iced tea, as we find grace in the unraveling of life (together). Let's exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom as we settle into our position as a doer and a daughter—created by a Loving Father.

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