I don't know why I feel embarrassed to admit this, but I love this song. Maybe because it's country, or because it's pop, or because it's kind of schmaltzy, and of course I'm way too sophisticated for any of that.
But the doggone thing just gets me every time. It causes me to consider the opportunities I have passed up, and it makes me sad for those who make similar poor choices and fearful that children (and others) I care about will do likewise.
At the same time, though, it reminds me to seize joy when it comes around, and it serves as a kind of prayer for those I love. Every parent should give every child the message this song delivers.
I just heard a snippet of it on the radio the other day and had been thinking about it sporadically ever since, and then my "little sister" Terra -- who didn't know about my feelings about the song but obviously knows me -- just happened to e-mail it to me today.
So, enjoy. (Don't worry; I won't tell anyone.)
