Lullaby

I don't remember when or where I first heard "The Robe", but it was one of those songs that stuck with me. I found myself singing it at different moments. The shower. The car. Whenever I felt like I needed a hug.

When my oldest nephew was a baby, I spent every free moment with him. Yes, I sang this song to him. For years, this was the only song that soothed him. When he had a rough night, my sister would call me over. I'd rock him while I sang the entire song. Before I reached the chorus, he'd calm down and eventually fall asleep.

This worked like a charm anywhere for the next few years. Even as a feisty three-year-old, I could set the boy in my lap and start, "Anyone who's heart is sad and lonely." He would nestle his head on my shoulder and breathe. It made me feel like a snake charmer.

I always thought his reaction to the song was interesting because these words were my own way of wrapping my arms around myself. We're kindred spirits anyway. It's been a few years since he's asked me to sing this song for him; I kind of miss it.