"You"
- beverlinmusicstudios
- May 11
- 2 min read
For Voice and Piano, by Heidi S. Beverlin
At first listen, you might think this is a Mother's Day or Father's Day song--and it is. However, this song is also for those who have filled the role of a parent for so many children, but are not their biolgical mother or father.
I started to write this song while I was on vacation with some friends. I had some long conversations with my girlfriend who is the stepmother to three children. She shared with me the struggle of parenting children that weren't biologically her own in conjunction with her husband and the children's biological mother. It is a difficult balance for her, but she works to make it a good experience for all. I listened to her talk about all of the children's activities, her concern for their growth, and how much she loves them as if they were her biological children. Another friend of mine who is adopted was on this same vacation with us. Her adoptive mother has been her rock through feeling abandoned by her biological parents. The love she feels for her adoptive parents is a different kind of deep than what I feel for my biological parents.
I began to think about other people I know who have taken on a similar roles in children's lives. I do not have this personal experience. So I was trying to imagine what it means to the child to be loved by someone who is not biologically related to them, but chose to love them anyways. I thought of the deep commitment made by these people and hopefully the deep gratitude of the children.
A friend of mine, who has since passed away, adopted three little boys who needed to be loved. She brought them into her home, tried to normalize their lives, took them to endless hours of counseling, and made them part of her life. What a selfless act of love for children that were deeply hurting.
My daughter works in the juvenile court system, and she has shared with me the deep pain, suffering, and twisted lives of many children who do not have someone to fill the role of a nurturer. It seems like an overwhelming problem in our society.
Last fall, I listened to President Dallin H. Oaks talk, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ." I was deeply touched as he described the death of his father. The lyrics "You whispered in my ear / I didn't need to fear / I'd never be alone with you" are directly inspired by President Oaks' grandfather's assurance that he would take on the role of his father. It was a blessed promise for President Oaks and all children who have found themselves loved by someone who chose to be there for them.
Whether you are a parent, stepparent, grandparent, adoptive parent, teachers, aunt, uncle, or someone who has made a commitment to care for children, this song is a tribute to you.
Adoption
Foster Parents
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Stepparents
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