The talent show at my middle school was the main event of the school year. I remember watching teenage grunge bands, gymnasts, and dancers. The cheerleaders acted out short skits and sister trios sang Going to the Chapel. Most talent shows ended with a finale by an amazing tap soloist, who has since performed on Broadway in New York City.

The standards were high, and as an eighth grader, I wanted my last talent show to leave a legacy. So to commemorate my middle school years, my younger sisters and I performed a song that has since remained one of the most special in my life. We played in a small band, consisting of a piano, a guitar, and a dulcimer while singing along, misty-eyed, to the lyrics of In My Life by The Beatles.

“There are places I’ll remember all my life though some have changed

Some forever not for better, some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments with lovers and friends I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living, in my life I’ve loved them all”

Though I don’t remember a standing ovation, performing with my sisters left me grateful and sentimental. The lyrics seemed to imprint the importance and essence of the memories of my youth, while still giving me great expectation for the future that awaited me.

Ten years later, In My Life played sweetly in the background as my dad and I danced across the ballroom floor at my wedding.

“But of all these friends and lovers, there is no one who compares with you

And these memories lose their meaning when I think of love as something new

Though I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before

I know I’ll often stop to think about them in my life I love you more”

It was true, I understood as I looked down at my wedding ring. Love was something new to me. First, I loved my parents and sisters. Then, I searched for love in fake friendships and failed relationships. Through it all, I yearned for that new incomparable love. Articulated in this song, I realized that I had finally found it.

In My Life celebrates people, places, and love. And it continues to remind us all to ~

~ Remember the past. Your town, neighborhood, relationships, and family may have changed, but their legacies remain. Affectionately remember the people, places, and moments that helped to shape you.

~ Love deeply. Share your life with someone who gives the word love a whole new meaning. Love them more each day.

~Think on These Things~

Natalie

“All you need is love.” ~John Lennon