I remember sitting in the backseat of the family car, driving to a basketball tournament several hours away. Not knowing the name yet for the anger and tension in the car - my folks’ marriage that would come to a head within a year - but instead focusing on the Elton John my mom played in the car. Speaking gospel on a Sunday morning, Tom.
This is beautiful - I am left curious about the stuffed snowmobile suit and the burlap bag of cats, even haunted, by the unwilled reaches of my imagination...
Some great memories Tom, at least for the first few paragraphs...I have similar vivid memories of Elton John tunes blaring throughout our house in Romeo. Interesting I never really listed that closely to the Tonight lyrics (which is not unusual for me, I tend to enjoy music for the music, and often don't give much thought to what is being said!). Those were some tough times for Mom, glad she moved on in spite of the disruptions it caused.
That must be a bittersweet memory. Funny how music can be a tether for us to hold onto when we need it.
I've never heard that song before -- I'm one of those typical casual listeners who only knows the hits. But geez, does anyone have a deeper catalogue than Elton John? He was putting out an album every six months or so for a while there!
I've never heard that song and it's beautiful. This post made me think of my parents divorce and as an adult looking back, I was too young to see what was coming. But I was thankful it happened. My "real" dad wasn't a very nice mad. This post makes me think I might want to write about it. Great story. I love how you tied it all together.
I might have been a bit too young for that! It was good movie, though I was disappointed that none of the music was actually Elton John, was all covered by someone else...would have been better if they used his original soundtracks!
Sara was right. Still, I'm glad I read it. The story obviously isn't a happy/funny one, but I gotta ask: A stuffed snowmobile suit? burlap bag of cats? Yikes!
A hell of a memory and first concert...!
I remember sitting in the backseat of the family car, driving to a basketball tournament several hours away. Not knowing the name yet for the anger and tension in the car - my folks’ marriage that would come to a head within a year - but instead focusing on the Elton John my mom played in the car. Speaking gospel on a Sunday morning, Tom.
This is beautiful - I am left curious about the stuffed snowmobile suit and the burlap bag of cats, even haunted, by the unwilled reaches of my imagination...
💛
Some great memories Tom, at least for the first few paragraphs...I have similar vivid memories of Elton John tunes blaring throughout our house in Romeo. Interesting I never really listed that closely to the Tonight lyrics (which is not unusual for me, I tend to enjoy music for the music, and often don't give much thought to what is being said!). Those were some tough times for Mom, glad she moved on in spite of the disruptions it caused.
Some things will always stay in your memory.
That must be a bittersweet memory. Funny how music can be a tether for us to hold onto when we need it.
I've never heard that song before -- I'm one of those typical casual listeners who only knows the hits. But geez, does anyone have a deeper catalogue than Elton John? He was putting out an album every six months or so for a while there!
Thanks for introducing me to that song.
I've never heard that song and it's beautiful. This post made me think of my parents divorce and as an adult looking back, I was too young to see what was coming. But I was thankful it happened. My "real" dad wasn't a very nice mad. This post makes me think I might want to write about it. Great story. I love how you tied it all together.
Gosh, a tough topic beautifully explored, Tom. And YESSSSSSSSSSS: Elton John! 🕺
I might have been a bit too young for that! It was good movie, though I was disappointed that none of the music was actually Elton John, was all covered by someone else...would have been better if they used his original soundtracks!
Sara was right. Still, I'm glad I read it. The story obviously isn't a happy/funny one, but I gotta ask: A stuffed snowmobile suit? burlap bag of cats? Yikes!
Oh, so many thoughts! Tom’s Mom
Really enjoyed this piece - a difficult topic brilliantly explored. Thanks!