“When I get where I am going
On the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I’m gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.”-
“When I Get Where I’m Going”….performed by Brad Paisley
Today is Ron’s Heavenly anniversary. I picked this Brad Paisley song to commemorate this anniversary for several reasons. First, this song reminds me of Ron in Heaven. Secondly, I vividly remember the day Ron and I were in the car listening to a Brad Paisley song. Ron touted Brad Paisley’s songs for their story telling and memorable lyrics. He reminded me Brad Paisley was not only a formidable performer, he was also an accomplished songwriter. As we listened to the song, Ron urged me to concentrate on the individual instruments. I loved how each instrument spoke to him. Ron explained his method for listening to a song he loved. First, Ron would listen to the song collectively. Then he would listen to it repeatedly. Each time he would pick out one instrument to listen to for the entire song. He loved to hear the depth and singular sound each musician’s instrument contributed to the composition. Ron was a musician. He had a musician’s heart and soul. Our car conversation had a monumental influence on me. I now listen to songs using the Ron Paden method. Of course, I always listen to the drummer first. Ron was an exceptional drummer. Some of my most cherished memories are of Ron effortlessly playing his drums along with songs on the stereo at the house. Other times he would whimsically play his drums to a beat that spoke to his soul. Each type of performance was something to behold. Yessiree. I marveled at Ron’s God-given talent.
Just like the song, “When I Get Where I Am Going”, I know when Ron got to Heaven he did spread his wings and fly. In the song, Brad Paisley quips he might like to discover what it feels like to ride a drop of rain. As glorious as this seems, I suspect Ron had a different plan when he first got to Heaven. I like to believe Ron flew around Heaven searching for one of God’s most glorious Cumulus clouds. A perfectly fluffy cloud, complete with a drum kit. After all,….it’s Heaven. And in Heaven one never has to set up a drum kit. Alleluia! I surmise most days Ron can be found playing his drums with fellow musicians gone too soon for our liking. I suspect Ron has even ridden a few raindrops by now, too. After all,…it’s Heaven. Something tells me this Thursday Ron won’t be playing his drums or even riding on a drop of rain. No siree. I have no doubt Ron is going to be riding on the most brilliant fireworks soaring through the celestial sky. Ron’s 59th birthday is on Thursday. Ron loved fireworks. Why ride a drop of rain on your birthday when you can shoot across Heaven on the most spectacular fireworks? Why, indeed. After all,…it’s Heaven.
Happy Heavenly Anniversary, my Sweet Muscles. Happy 59th Birthday. As Brad Paisley sings, “I’ll leave my heart wide open” for you.