It was 1998 when I started listening to country, thanks to my friend and her family. 

I needed a place to stay while my Mom was traveling, so my friend invited me and my dog to stay with her and her family. They soon became my family. My heartstrings were hooked, and my love for them, and country, grew. 

It was 2010 when I stopped listening to country; when it all stopped. 

I had to stop listening because only a few lyrics in, to what had become my favorite country songs, tied to so many memories of my happy Portland life, with my adopted family, I would start crying. I couldn’t stop the tears. I couldn’t predict when the tears would come. I missed them, our time spent together, happy sitting around with each other, being goofy. The simple joys of sitting around talking, doing nothing at all, but it meaning everything. 

Hanging out on the back deck or in the living room, countless backyard get-togethers, picnics, Jobs pond, driving around, trips to Christian camp, and whatever other shenanigans. Wherever they went, with me in tow, there were country songs tied to those memories. 

Just recently I tried again to listen to country. It still makes me cry, but it doesn’t feel right to not listen to it. Especially in the summer. The summertime is perfect for it. So, I added a new station to my Pandora stations; Zac Brown Band. It’s a start, but there’s still a long way to go. 

I may not even ever get there, again. But, at least I can listen to some songs”for a little biddy while”. I miss her. I miss them. I love them, and country. I’ll keep prayin’ for a country comeback. I’ll never stop tryin’. Katie, today I listened to a song for you that reminds me of you. It was a She Daisy song. Love to you always.