This weekend my family and I celebrated the life of my mother, Dot Gibson. The funeral service was held at the church where I was baptized, where my parents were married, where my mother’s ashes are placed next to my father’s in the columbarium, St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS.
The musical prelude was sung by my brother. He is a musician, and the song he sang was an original one he wrote about our parents. We were blessed to be raised by loving parents. They supported Hunter’s aspirations to be a performer, even when it didn’t seem like a practical vocation. In more recent years, Hunter has been performing at senior living places. My parents found their independent living apartment because Hunter had played there many times, and he felt it was a safe place for them.
Music has always been an integral part of my family’s life. Mom taught piano lessons and studied piano, receiving her masters and performing with the Chaminade Club of Jackson. She was on the founding board for the Music Forum of Jackson. Her legacy lives on in my brother.
Here are the words to his song, followed by a link to it on YouTube.
Reason That I Am
When I was just a boy,
time went by in such a hurry.Carefree days and tender nights,
growing up without a worry.Mother, Father, reasons for the man I am.
Don’t let go of the memory.
Let it guide you to the truth.
Don’t let go of the memories
of the ones who tried to pave the way for you.Even through the troubled years,
love was always there to guide me.
Not afraid to chase a dream.
Knowing that you’d be there beside me.Mother, Father,
you’re the reason that I am.Don’t let go of the memory.
Let it guide you to the truth.
Don’t let go of the memories
of the ones who paved the way for you.
The ones who never strayed from you.
The ones who let you be just you.By Hunter Gibson, all rights reserved
Reflections on the Teche 
Beautiful tribute. My sincere condolences. What a priceless legacy your parents have given you and your brother.
I am sorry for the loss of both of your parents. Your brother is lucky to have been supported in a career that many wouldn’t support. Thanks for sharing the song, too.
Margaret, wow! Condolences again to your family. Your brother is so talented – – I love both the lyrics and the music. Your parents raised some creative children. What lines here the story tells:
Even through the troubled years,
love was always there to guide me.
Not afraid to chase a dream.
Knowing that you’d be there beside me.
And the safety in the home that he found for your mother is the way he was there for her, too, when the roles reversed and the parent became the child.
I love the message in this song. Thank you for sharing it! A record label might just sweep this one up and sign him on.
a very sweet tribute and memory for your family. How special that your family shares music in this way. Hugs.
Margaret, this is so precious. I enjoyed learning more about your parents and Hunter and the music of your sweet family. I enjoyed listening to Hunter’s song today.
Maragaret, I am honored to be able to listen to this lovely song. Your brother is so talented. Just like you with your teaching and writing. May writing and the command to “Don’t let go of the memories” comfort you now in the passing of your mother and father.
Your words are such a beautiful tribute to your mom. You captured her spirit so clearly and lovingly. It’s easy to see how deeply she touched the lives around her.
That was beautiful! No other words. Thank you for sharing.