Song Stories

The Stories Behind the Songs…

Maybe

(The Story behind the Song “Maybe” for Maryrose & Shelly’s 50^thAnniversary)

 My brother called a couple months before his girlfriend’s parents’ 50^th Wedding Anniversary.  They had helped create and organize the celebration for my own parents’ 50^th a year and a half before and were very moved by the Musical Video Treasure and original song we had created for their special occasion.  At one point during the celebration, Shelly leaned over and with a twinkle in his eye said, “Our 50^thAnniversary is coming up here soon!”  (Hint hint).

My brother, who was standing nearby, took the hint to heart and tucked the idea away until just the right time, reminding me how much it would mean to Shelly & Maryrose if we did something similar for them.

Miss Delaware County Beauty Queen

While in the Service, Shelly first met Maryrose at a club she was attending with another gentleman.  She accepted his invitation for a dance and before the evening was over, he was smitten.  Starry-eyed, he asked if he could see her again and she said, “Maybe”.  You see, he was a man who knew what he wanted and she had been Miss Delaware County Beauty Queen, attractive and light-hearted.  He wasn’t going to take “No” for an answer.  Unfortunately, the odds were against them.

By looking at this lovely couple, and spending a little time with them, you’d never know the challenges they faced in getting married.  She had grown up in the Catholic Church and he was raised in a Jewish home.  As tradition would have it, neither of their families supported the idea of their getting married, and in fact were dead set against it.  As a result, none of his family attended the wedding.  In their eyes, he was “dead” to the them.  There was no way that it would ever work out.

On top of all this, Shelly’s work often called him out of the country, but he always somehow managed to be home with his family when it really mattered.  Through the years their amazing love has only grown stronger and their commitment and fun-loving spirit have been an inspiration and blessing to all who know them.

We all know that life isn’t perfect and can often deal cruel blows, but this story has a happy ending.  Or should we say “a happy continuing”?

When viewed through the eyes of love, the world can be a beautiful place and the law of planting and reaping has certainly paid off, as not only were all of their dearest friends at the celebration of their 50^th Wedding Anniversary, but his family was happily in attendance as well, supporting them like never before!

Their song “Maybe” is a tribute to the joy and strength of a sure and steady love in a doubting, uncertain world.

Maryrose and Shelly, what a blessing you continue to be.  Here’s to the next 50…

Watch “Maybe” Video >

Watch “Maybe” Video >

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Rodeo Girl

(The Story behind the Song “Rodeo Girl” for Stephanie McConathy)

Stephanie was a beautiful 13 year old, with long brown hair and bright, shining brown eyes that sparkled full of the life and light of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She lived in Colorado with her mother and father, 8 year old sister, Anna, and 21 year old foster brother, Dan.

Stephanie loved her horses, Miracle and Cimarron, and her dog Copper.  She enjoyed doing typical teenage things, like sleep-overs with friends, watching movies, makeovers, dress up, dancing and reading.  Though she may have appeared ordinary to the casual observer, her story and life are nothing short of a miracle.

In August of 1998, after being sick for several months, Stephanie was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms’ Tumors.  She had numerous tumors in her kidney, liver and heart and had endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, 15 surgeries and several radiation treatments.

Nine months after Stephanie’s diagnosis, in June of ’99, her 4 year old brother Aaron, was struck and killed by a car.  While enduring the heartache and pain of losing their son, the family fought hard to save Stephanie, taking multiple trips to Mexico for treatment and countless alternative treatments here in the U.S.

In the Fall of 2004, it looked as though Stephanie’s cancer had nearly disappeared.  But in January of ’05, her family was told that the tumors had returned and she only had months to live.  It was then that Stephanie expressed five wishes:

-       To graduate from the 7^th grade

-       To toss coins in a fountain in Italy

-       To see the beach and eat fish tacos

-       To ride her horse in a rodeo and barrel race

-       To meet President George W. Bush, whom she had prayed for and admired for years

In March of 2005, she and her family made a trip back to California, (where they once lived).  March 21^st, the President came to Denver for the “Wings Over the Rockies” event.  Her prayers were answered when she was given VIP tickets, sat next to Colorado Governor Bill Owens, and through God’s perfect timing and divine intervention, got to meet and hug President Bush!

Stephanie’s life has impacted so many people of all ages.  She has taught other kids to accept each other for who they are, and not worry about what is on the outside.  She was a wonderful friend and sister and was a living example of her faith, even in the end, holding strong to her hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

On October 28, 2005 Love called Stephanie home while she peacefully slept in her bed, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Through all of her suffering and death, Stephanie reaches out to offer comfort and words of peace and hope to others, for her heart’s greatest desire was to share the love of God.

Many, many people came to Stephanie’s memorial service to celebrate her life and her love.  The song “Rodeo Girl”, was written & recorded for her and performed at the service.

We will miss you Rodeo Girl… Love Calls You Home.

Watch “Rodeo Girl” >

Watch “Rodeo Girl” >

“Rodeo Girl” is available on “Love Calls You Home” (a compilation CD of hope for Stephanie McConathy), and a remake on “Call of the Wild” by Peregrin Road (iTunes).