FAWM: "The Softest Landing"

The Softest Landing

2025 by @kadmad202

Liner Notes

#heartfelt #acoustic #girlwithguitar #singersongwriter #caregiver #elderlylovedone

This is a simple, bare bones story song about my wife's aunt, whose last few years have been challenging to say the least. Sue (wife) has been her long-time caregiver and advocate, and I am in constant awe at the patience, dedication, love, and affection she continually shows as she makes this journey with her. I am support staff only, but it is an honor to walk along side of these two and do whatever small thing I can. A shout-out to my friend Fred, who first introduced me to the idea of wanting elderly loved-ones to have that "soft landing" at the end of their lives. It is such a sweet hope.

UPDATE: Today is the 27th, and Sue's aunt passed peacefully away early this morning. We are so thankful that she got her soft landing♥️

Lyrics

She was born in ’26 She’ll be 99 this year She spends her days in memory care In a borrowed, black wheelchair

She’s not so lost to dementia That she doesn’t recognize The faces of those who love her You can see it in her eyes

Her beloved husband of 60 years Died when COVID first began The paramedics whisked him off She never saw him again

No funeral service, no good-bye Nothing but the deepest hole Of loss that even now runs through To the bottom of her soul

The body is a funny thing And the will to live demanding We who love her pray most everyday That she’ll have the softest landing

She sleeps more now than ever Her legs no longer stable But when dinner is announced She’s always at the table

So on she goes, and on we go When it ends no one can tell But we’ll walk this journey with her Until it’s time to say farewell

The body is a funny thing And the will to live demanding We who love her pray most everyday That she’ll have the softest landing

Lord, we pray to you with all our hearts That she’ll have the softest landing

Comments

@nancycunning 2025

This one made me cry. I'd been spending a day doing clerical caretaking minutiae for a relative who is in memory care and feeling resentful about my whole day being spent like that, while also resenting that the care he's getting in the home doesn't seem so great. Then I listened to this beautiful, peaceful song about being human and lighting someone's long way home. What a beautiful prayer, and I'm so glad it was answered.

@bethdesombre 2025

Such a sensitive portrait. Love some of the details that reveal more than mere description ("borrowed black wheelchair"). And that "The body is a funny thing" stanza is gorgeous and loving -- and the idea of "the softest landing." May we all have one.

@hummingbear 2025

I listened to this once, then asked a friend, whose mother has metastatic cancer, to listen to it. My own mother died long ago. We had a heartfelt conversation.

This song brings all the words and all the feels. Thanks for making a bridge - from music to discussion.

@prsongsmith 2025

Oh, I didn’t expect to find this so moving. Brought back memories of my mother in law, who we lost around this time in 2023. (I wrote three different songs about her) What a lovely, lovely song, and so beautifully performed and recorded. Thank you.

@nancyrostMod 2025

A lot of truth in these words, and sensitively rendered. I like how that title line hangs on the V7 and gently lands the last time. Sending kind thoughts for your aunt-in-law and family.

@audrey 2025

This is a very touching song with a lovely lyric supported beautifully by your gentle guitar playing and singing. I love the title too. Beautiful song!

@chipwithrow 2025

This song touches me so deeply - my mom is in memory care. Your singing and guitar are delicate and thoughtful and lovely. And wonderful detail in the lyrics. Thanks for this one!