I have to interrupt my Songs of Summer 2016 series with this look back (way, way back). This week, I watched The Carpenters: Close to You on PBS, and it brought back some of the very best moments (and years) of my childhood. Baby bro and I would listen to this album over and over again, never getting tired of it. It was one of our first records (kids, ask your parents about records), and we wore it out. Twice. Mom loved it, too, so she bought us new ones. Thanks, Mom!

I admit it. I’m all kinds of nostalgic about this wonderful music (which just happens to be placed squarely in my voice’s sweet spot) in the days before I knew what the universe had in store for me. I wouldn’t give up all those later, character-building experiences for the world, but remembering this sweet, innocent time in my childhood has given me a heart swelled to twice its size and a pretty solid lump in my throat.

If you don’t already have happy memories about this music, go make some new ones. I’ll be here, all kinds of happy/sad, with lots of tissues, laughing at myself, and singing along at the top of my (still pretty okay) lungs.

Donna*

(This one’s so personal, I’m signing it!)

Epilogue: I was so affected by the documentary, the post, and the music, according to Beloved, I woke her up singing Close to You in my sleep. How’s that for commitment?

And for good measure, here’s my favorite Carpenters song of all time. It still makes me misty.