A Playlist for Parents of a Child With Propionic Acidemia
Our family loves music. Our daily dance parties take place in either the kitchen or basement. My 7-year-old daughter Maya, my 3-year-old son Christian, my husband Rob, and I all take turns choosing a song to play on our Amazon Alexa device.
As a mom to two children with special needs, music seems to have a deeper meaning to me. Every song I hear somehow relates back to my kids, our struggles, and our triumphs. Playing songs we relate to can help us in hard times and in happier moments, knowing others are feeling the same way.
Here is my playlist as a propionic acidemia parent:
“I Lived” by OneRepublic
I remember when I was young, my mom would play “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. I feel like “I Lived” is the new remix. Both songs have the message of living life to its fullest. “I Lived” has the lyrics, “I…I did it all, I…I did it all. I owned every second that this world could give. I saw so many places. The things that I did.” I hope my children do it all, try it all, and live their lives to the fullest.
“Stand By You” by Rachel Platten
The Pretenders have a song called, “I’ll Stand By You”, in which they said, “I’ll stand by you. Won’t let anyone hurt you.” I love that song and also love Rachel Platten’s “Stand By You,” where she sings, “Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes. And hurt, I know you’re hurting, but so am I. And, love, if your wings are broken borrow mine ‘til yours can open, too. ‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you.” I will always stand by my children. They will never be alone. We will have faith together and fight through anything that comes our way.
“A Better Place” by Rachel Platten
This is a second Rachel Platten song I love based on the lyrics: “It’s a better place since you came along. Your touch is sunlight through the trees. Your kisses are the ocean breeze. Everything’s all right when you’re with me.” I truly feel my world is a better place since my children came along. Their unconditional love and humorous personalities are a joy to everyone they meet.
“One Call Away” by Charlie Puth
Like many moms, you sometimes have to play the role of Superman or Wonder Woman. Puth sings, “I’m only one call away. I’ll be there to save the day. Superman got nothing on me. I’m only one call away.” I hope my children know I will always be there for them. They might think I am their superhero, but really they are my heroes.
“Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
While this seems like a sad song, it is a reminder to me to love my children every day to the fullest and to cherish every second together. Trainor sings, “So I’ll kiss you longer baby, and chance that I get. I’ll make the most of the minutes and love with no regrets.” The truth is tomorrow is not promised for anyone, so make the most of every moment with the ones you love.
“Hold Each Other” by A Great Big World
With lyrics like, “Something happens when I hold her. She keeps my heart from getting older. When the days get short and the nights get a little bit colder, we hold each other,” this song always reminds me of my kids and what a great feeling it is just to hold them. Maya is now 7 and still wants to be held – and everything feels better for me when I hold her. At 3 years old, Christian loves to snuggle, but I think I love it even more.
“Lay It All on Me” by Rudimental feat. Ed Sheeran
If it were possible, many parents would take on our children’s illnesses. We all wish we could take away their pain, uncertainties, and worries. In this song Rudimental says, “If it hurts and you can’t take no more, lay it all on me.” When I hear this song it makes me want to take on my children’s’ burdens, troubles, and sorrows. Though we can’t take it way, we can certainly remind them we are here for them and they can “lay their burdens on us” anytime.
“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is my all-time favorite artist, and this song certainly lives up to my expectations for him. Bruno says, “If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea, I’ll sail the world to find you. If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can’t see, I’ll be the light to guide you.” Beside the upbeat, catchy tune of this song, it also has great lyrics about being there for each other.
“Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities
This song is not about only keeping your children safe and sound. With lyrics such as, “I could lift you up. I could show you what you want to see, and take you where you want to be,” this song is also about the things you will do for the people you love. Together, we will keep each other safe and sound.
“Victorious” by Panic at the Disco
All moms need a victory song. This is my song to play after I make it through a day without too much drama. When the kids are tucked in for the night and are happy, healthy, and safe, I sing along with Panic at the Disco: “Tonight we are victorious. Champagne pouring over us. All my friends were glorious. Tonight we are victorious!”
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Heather McCarthy has been a seventh-grade language arts teacher for the past 13 years. She is also the cofounder of Someone Special Uniquely Personalized Books, a company inspired by her daughter that creates personalized picture books for children with special needs. Heather has been married for 11 years and is the mother of Maya and Christian.
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