Dear Friend Reminds Me I’ll Miss This
One of my best friends in Nashville is 89 years old. I know to some this may seem rather strange having a friend four times your age, but to me, this makes no difference. Actually, I think it makes our friendship that much sweeter. Sometimes I think there are certain people we are supposed to meet in life. I’m convinced Betty is one of those people. She let’s me call her “Grandma” and says I’m the granddaughter she never had. I know it may all sound like a Hallmark card, but as much as she thinks she needs me, I need her, too. She says she gets lonely because most of her family has passed away. I get lonesome too. Mine live too far away.
I called her last night around 10 o’clock. It had been a week or so since I had heard her soft-spoken, shaky voice. She’s a night owl, so I knew she’d still be awake. I caught her in the middle of washing dishes, and we chatted for nearly an hour. She told me about how she missed her husband who passed away years ago and reminisced about better times. Being the eldest of six, she helped raise her sisters and brothers, and I began to feel her smiling through the phone as she spoke about them.
Talking to her helps me put everyday life in perspective. I now try a little harder to grab on to each memory. When I hear Trace Adkins‘ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” it always makes me think of her. I don’t want to look back and miss this moment I’m living in right now. I hope someday I, too, can have the privilege of living to be an old woman. Like Betty, I want to know that I soaked up my youth and treasured my time before it inevitably passes me by.
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Lucas says:
One of my favorite Trace songs in a long time and a good video to boot.
kathleen says:
I was upset that the weekend of 4/25- 4/26 on iron man top 20 . They cut off Trace Atkins beautiful song. We had to listen to all but his was cut short because there were too many commercials. I am furious. I didn’t think that was fair!!!
kayefun says:
Whitney, what you said about connecting with others, sharing your time, them sharing their time, listening, learning, admiring their strengths, finding your own and enjoying these moments is of priceless value because there is so little of it left in the modern world. It was a good read right from your heart.
Emma says:
Whitney, I absoultly love this song! I have it on my ipod and listen to it all the time. I always think about what i want to do when I’m older and who I want to marry considering I’m in a relationship right now. But then i listen to this song and realize that I don’t quite want to grow up yet and I want to live a happy life as a teenager. Oh and one of my friends wants me to tell you hi for her. Thanks for writing a blog on this song,it will show a lot of young people to live their lives to the fullest.
Debbi Merritt says:
Whitney thank you for letting us know about your dear friend!
Yes I love Trace’s 3 weeks #1 single-You’re Gonna Miss This!
I am a proud member of Trace’s fan club!
I support Trace on a daily basis!
Thank you CMT for nominating Trace this year!!
sunkie says:
Trace must be proud to have someone write about his song as you have done! Whitney you have put his ideas into motion. I can see you talking with your 89 year old friend Betty and having a conversation that works itself into the wee hours of the evening. Having this song along with your words, helps me too realize that this old world simply goes by so fast that sometimes we don’t stop to think. His wisdom in his song, and yours in your interpretation help set a stage for all of us to learn from; not just for today, but for the future as well. I think I shall get on the phone and talk to those loved ones that I haven’t spoken to in quite a spell. Oh, keep your ideas coming for it always helps “fill up my tank” each and every week.
rodney says:
sirs i would like to know when do you play the music all i see is shows that have nothing to do with music.
Kate says:
This really tugged at my heartstrings. Thanks for sharing ab out your friend, Betty. I really enjoyed the blog and it gave me a new perspective to consider. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and the Trace song reminds us all of that. Thanks for offering your perspective, Whitney.
Dan says:
Whitney,
Great story. My wifes aunt passed away a few years ago at 90 years young. In a small town SW of Knoxville, she remembers when electricity came to town, and the first car and all the rest of the stuff. Cherish the time with her. In perspective, it will be short.
Thank you again
Dan