Rose of the Day – In the Living Years

This video is by Mike and the Mechanics. The founder of the band is Mike Rutherford, lead guitarist and one of the founding members of the band Genesis.

This song is about his wishing he had been able to come to terms with his father before he died. It’s one of my favorite songs. I really like the melody but the lyrics are incredibly powerful. For me, the lyrics go beyond the father-son relationship to our relationships with anybody we love.

The few times I’ve been at the bedside of a loved one, my final words were about the love and the feelings I had for the person. Others I’ve observed seem to be saying the same thing. If we are fortunate enough to have the chance to say final words, we do so.

What if the opportunity for final reconciliation never presents itself? How will the news affect me? Will I have regrets or will I feel some peace knowing the last words I said were along the lines of “I love you, I forgive you, I’m sorry, You are important to me” or some other positive words?

It seems that if our last words are harsh, there’s a good chance they may not be buried with the person, instead, they will continue to live in our hearts as regrets. At some time, we may realize we are forgiven, and always were.

Love and Roses on your Windshield,
Paul

PS – Maybe Roses on the Windshield Day is the perfect day to heal the wounds and start the habit of insuring the last words are ones we won’t regret.