"Crazy" by Patsy Cline

In an old living room, on a console stereo, Patsy Cline's "Crazy" played from a country hits album that Dad got at Pay N' Save. That song, with its barroom melancholy, and slowdance shift, brings to mind heartfelt days. I often think about that old console with its lid raised halfway to accomodate easy access to the turntable. Dad sat in his recliner listening, and sipping late afternoon coffee. I see him now, elbow on the chair's arm with a forefinger holding his head in rest. Where were his thoughts, and where was this song taking him? I believe I ask myself that question more these days than I did then. I heard Mom in the kitchen prepping dinner and commenting on how beautiful the song was.

I'd have to agree. It was in the fall, or early winter of 1965. I remember because of my G.I. Joe craze, and how I so hoped I'd get one for Christmas that year. It was also a season of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, and Percy Faith albums whenever Mom took over the stereo. That wonderfully long console was new to us that year, and it got quite a workout. But let me not shift away from that album of country hits that brought Patsy's pensive and smooth voice to a charmed living room. "Worry, why should I let myself worry..." she crooned in a sad chorus, while I reasoned how important my Dad's favorite music was to him.

I sure would like to sit down at the age I am now, and tell Mom and Dad how right they were about every single thing they told me. I'd like to assure them that I remember it all, and most importantly that I appreciate how hard they worked to keep our family safe and sound. But for now, there's the creak of the lid being raised to put another record on the platter. Shortly after was adjustment sound of the recliner as the footrest stretched back out. In brief moments in time Patsy visited our living room and sang a melody in the key of C. I'm sure if she were there she probably wouldn't have understood the lasting effects the song had on me. I truly miss 1965, and a decade filled to the brim with wonderful days.