“Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.” — Stevie Wonder

A vivid memory from my childhood was my mom’s record collection. I always loved when she played Anne Murray, the Carpenters, and (especially) the Partridge Family Christmas album. The house always seemed warmer and brighter with music. Tunes often accompanied mom’s deep cleaning for company or holidays, so I associate these memories with the scent of furniture polish and floor cleaner.

Today mom let me go through her album collection and take what I wanted to add to my own. (My younger son recently gave me a new turntable.) I am so excited. Now I can listen to the music of my childhood. But more than that, I can fill my own place – and my heart – with memories.

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