So after my rather depressing last post I thought I would lighten things up a bit. 🙂
My daughter Olivia is my caregiver on Saturday during the day and at the beginning of January she decided to implement ‘Music Saturdays’. It started with her playing a Harry Styles song she thought I would like, Treat People with Kindness. It was super catchy and I liked the message. Since I don’t drive the kids around anymore and my days are spent listening to talk radio, I have no idea what music is popular right now. To be honest I have always preferred my 80’s rock and 90’s alternative to the music of today. Olivia played a few more Harry tunes which I also liked and then we took turns choosing songs and adding them to our playlists. Now we do this every week and I look forward to Saturday. In between Harry, One Direction and other Olivia favourites, I introduce her to Journey, Def Leppard and The Smashing Pumpkins to name a few. Many songs elicit stories such as the time my friend and I memorized every word to Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire during French class. I also seem to remember learning the sign language alphabet from a poster in the French classroom. Hmm… I see why I didn’t do so well in French lol.
When Olivia was six she absolutely loved One Direction. We listened to them constantly and when their movie This is Us came to the theatre we were there along with Olivia’s One Direction partner in crime, Sophie and my friend Bonnie, Sophie’s mom. This past summer when Bonnie and Sophie came from Calgary to visit we watched a One Direction movie, for old times sake. 😉
Now, nine years later, it’s former One Direction member Harry Styles who is in the spotlight in our house. Olivia had her 15th birthday last week and I had so much fun planning the Harry Styles themed decorations. Banners, balloons covered in HS stickers, mini easels with assorted HS postcards and scattered sunflowers (for his song Sunflowers Vol. 6) and let’s not forget the HS cake. I am very grateful that my friend Rachel was able to take my decorating ideas and execute them perfectly. Olivia was beyond excited and surprised. It was so nice to focus on something fun and upbeat for a change; ALS didn’t exist for awhile.
Like the birthday planning, listening to music has been a great way to just “get away”. It has also allowed me to share in another part of my daughter’s life, and I must say I am really liking Harry Styles. Who would have thought? Sometimes it is just really nice to get swept up in the moment and experience a little bit of joy. Thanks Harry!
Thanks for reading!
xo Leanne
Our three favourites:
Oh my gosh, that brings back great memories. I think back in the day, Harry was my favourite while you liked Zayn! That’s when our girls were all about Louis.
I love this post and a reminder of the power of music. For Ethan’s 18th, I put together a playlist of his life that included everything from the TeleTubbies and Wiggles, right up to Drake and current day. Thanks for the inspiration for the Harry-themed party!
What an amazing woman you are Leanne. Don’t you EVER forget that!
I can just see you two on Sat. Having a grand old time with these tunes. And then to carry off this wonderful birthday party for your precious Sat. Caregiver. So many healthy , run around mom’s could not accomplish what you did for her. You never mention yourself, but I am still asking the Lord for Botox to be completely taken from your body, if it has caused so much trouble.
You are such a Blessing to so many close to you, AND to us that read your blogs.
Sensational!!! You did an outstanding job creating that party for her. I loved seeing the photos. That’s just awesome. Great for her but also that – like you said “als didn’t exist” but you could be totally in the moment!
Impressive! Best party planner ever
Leanne – you are a fun mom!
Thanks for this great example of something that doesn’t go away with ALS. Kudos and happy birthday to Olivia.
Happy Birthday Olivia! Beautiful post Leanne.
Leanne- I LOVE IT💗💗💗
Being in tune and loving time with Olivia- THE BEST💗💗💗
Enjoy the journey with her💗💗💗
Love you😘😘😘
That’s so awesome! You are amazing! Sounds like I’m gonna have to listen to some HS:)
So great Leanne! Olivia is blessed with a wonderful Mama!
❤️Leigh
Love Harry so much. What a great memory to have. Music is such a wonderful connector of hearts, minds, and souls. 💗
Hope your feeling better Leanne. That’s a Birthday she’ll never forget, you hit the nail right on the mark! I remember watching One Direction but not really listening to their music, I just thought Harry looked so much like a younger Mick Jagger. I can see why she’d like him not only is he HOT, but a good singer and entertainer. I was watching Harry with James Corden on the Crosswalk Concert, I laughed so much and also with them in the Carpool Karaoke. He’s such a good singer, Oh and did I say he was good looking. I actually like his music. The best way for me to get my going in the morning it to get the tunes going, I start singing and dancing, and down Memory Lane I go – to Sweet Memories. That’s what you’ve done for her, she’ll never forget her 15th B-Day that Mama gave to her. You continue to amaze me, God Bless Ya’ll
AW LIV, i hope she had a FANTASTIC birthday.
I am a CALS of my 68 year old Husband who suffered from muscle tiredness brought on by chronic fatigue in its early stages. Neurologists first had difficulty diagnosing it until multiple examinations indicated ALS, for which there was no known cure other than the prescription of riluzole medications, vitamins, and therapies. More advancements in breathing difficulties, difficulty pronouncing words, and difficulties eating occurred before we made the decision to try different medications, which significantly enhanced his condition. He received treatment for ALS/MND at vinehealthcentre. com from the U.S approximately four months ago; since then, he has stopped using a feeding tube, sleeps well, works out frequently, and has become very active. Although it doesn’t cure his ALS, it has improved his quality of life. .