Always Singing

The language of music seems to transcend the limitations of mere words. As kids, church hymns were the predominant melodies throughout our house. Even though our mom tried to shield us from “secular” music, the popular songs of the day found their way to our ears. I smile thinking of some of the silly memories that come to mind as I revisit the variety of artists that I found fascinating (and still do) during my younger years. I’ve been surprised, as an adult, how different songs can evoke an array of emotions! 

Music was an important part of my brother’s life. I remember him telling me about a song he really loved, and I was a bit surprised. Both the lyrics and the melody are beautiful, haunting, and simple. By the time Chris heard the song for the first time, it had been around for a while. Its message seems to convey a sense of urgency about how quickly life passes us by, while at the same time offering a subtle invitation to fully participate in life. That’s one of the many things Chris did well. He was present when he was with you and was interested in what you were doing. He did not allow distractions to come between the time he had with anyone.

The lyrics from the song to which I am referring, Dust In The Wind, seem to summon one to pause and reflect on what is important. If our days are limited, how should they be spent? Where should one’s energy be directed if the span of time allotted to each person is finite, yet unknown? These are heavy questions and only you can make the decision to determine the direction of your destiny. One thing that remains unquestionable to me is that we are here as humans to do good by helping others.* Sometimes it can be overwhelming to address a need alone. When a group of people come together, great things can be accomplished!

The old adage, many hands make light work, rings true in the effort to take on my brother’s call to action. It’s also represented well by a drawing on a t-shirt Chris gave me from his original BUD/S class. The physical and mental rigors which SEAL candidates undergo is not solitary work, and team effort is crucial!  Sometimes, when you feel like you just can’t go on, linking arms with those in your “boat crew” is what gives you the strength to keep going. This journey to reach 100,000 donors for Wounded Warrior Project is one that will require many people linking arms to achieve my brother’s last request. For those of you who are already a part of this journey to make my brother’s last request a reality, thank you! For those who will join us, welcome! Nels is training to break the world record for the fastest run across America “one step at a time”. Together, we’ll accomplish Chris’ wish… one donor at a time!

In the meantime, dance, jig, twirl, twerk, waltz, tango, salsa or sway to the music you love. And please, enjoy another of my brother’s letters to me from so many years ago. He’s gone but will always be loved and never forgotten!

__________________________

17 Jan 97

Thanks for the wonderful card once again! The pictures brought back memories of a beautiful moment which I was fortunate to experience. I still remember that same evening which I took the “sunset” photo! Is the photo from Virginia Beach taken of the two of you strolling along the sand or just two passerbys? That’s a wonderful little pointbreak (wave) that looks surfable with a longboard, but with a good swell, looks to be a fun outing. You’ll have to tell me the location of the spot, so when I arrive there in Virginia Beach, I can check it out when I get a chance to surf! On my weekends when I get a vehicle, I will probably drive down to the Outer Banks during a good swell & camp and surf there!

Back to reality of the moment… I am doing well once again, & the countdown is on! Only 2 weeks till Graduation & seeing you once again!…. Just got back from breakfast: and am feeling better. It’s been so cold here the past two days. They only let us go outside to go to “chow”! Today it’s 30° below (wind chill) and there is still lots of snow on the ground. It’s supposed to warm up (25-30°) in the next couple of days so that will be nice! I earned my first ribbon for marksmanship shooting the M-16, so that’s nice, at least my uniform will not be plain out of Bootcamp. Have you received the Visitor’s Pass yet for Pass-In-Review? :

: = Had to go to class

We’re presently finishing up firefighting & damage control & our last test is Tuesday. If we do not get at least a “90” on the test, the people who do not will get “cycled” after (Mom & Pop) night (night before Pass-In-Review)! The cycling consists of (4) 1 hr blocks of exercise before & after midnight! Needless to say I think I’ll do well! These last couple of days should fly by! Our R.D.C.’s say that if we do nothing too terribly wrong up to that point, we can watch the Super Bowl! 

I tell you I can’t wait to hear music again. I’m always singing because music is a wonderful part in my life; I didn’t realize until now that I took it for granted (corny huh?). Anyway, when you come up, be sure to have gloves & scarf w/ your other outer garments! A hat would also be a wise investment! At least keep one in your pocket! I know Ma will be covered from head to toe & then some! 

Are you going to stay with mom & dad? That might be better so you’re not separated! I believe I have a few of your envelopes left, so when I get a chance (probably quite a bit), I’ll write if it’s nonsense or not! I’ll close for now so BYE.

Love, 
Chris Campbell

___________________________

*Find your cause at Volunteer Match.