Here is a post from last month about my brother and our song...I haven't been able to blog about it just yet - so here's this for now...
I lost my brother last weekend. One week ago today I went to his
apartment to meet my family and be together after hearing the tragic
news. While sitting by his guitar I found the original papers on which I
had written the lyrics from January of 2015...
One of my
favorite memories with my brother Zach and husband Jacob is from January
31, 2015, the evening this song was written. Zach had recently moved to
Missouri for a new job and to be closer to me! His birthday was on
January 2, and he was especially excited about life (as he always was)
and feeling extra inspired. He brought his new guitar over and we sat
outside under the stars by a fire. His words were, "My year of 23 will
be my best year yet. God has a big plan for my life."
My brother
and I have always had a deep connection through music, and we had played
together since childhood. Piano was always my place and he accompanied
me with guitar or drums most of the time. That evening Zach played his
guitar, Jacob played his djembe, and since the piano could not come
outdoors, I was scribbling his lyrics down with a sharpie in the dark!
We must have been out there for hours simply enjoying each other’s
company! That was the last time I thought about that song until
10/10/16, when I found those papers again.
The moment I realized
what I was looking at I KNEW I had to pull that song together and learn
how to play it on guitar to share Zach’s words with the world! This
song is so special to me, and I know he would be proud for you to hear
it.
I officially made up my mind on Thursday, October 13th, that
I would pull this song together and play it at his Celebration of Life.
Philippians 4:13 promises we can do ALL things through Christ who gives
us strength. I knew with God’s help I could make this happen in two
days and stay strong enough to sing it for Zach.
God is good.
Let me tell you, even while I’m experiencing pain and mourning, I feel
comforted knowing God will never leave us. I truly believe that God will
use my brother’s life and this song to reach many. Zach was right. God
did have big plans for his life! Everything happens for a reason and
perhaps you are meant to hear this song and feel encouraged, feel
inspired, and feel uplifted.
Please ignore the fact that this is
a rough recording. This is the very first time I ever played this song
for a crowd. I learned guitar in a few days to play it the way Zach
intended it to be. My voice is not strong since I’m keeping back tears
and trying to make it through the song...Listen to the words and know
they are meant to encourage us!
It is crazy to me that even
though this was written almost two years ago, the words seem relevant
and are exactly what I needed to hear right now as I learn to heal from
his death. Life can get messy. It can seem absolutely out of control and
not make sense at times. I want you to know that we have a God who
loves us more than we can ever imagine and he will NEVER give us more
than we can handle.
Let this song be an inspiration to you. My
brother ALWAYS made the best out of every situation. He always had a
smile on his face and chose to live life to the fullest! He loved others
and would do anything for anyone. He loved out loud! I titled this song
“Just Whistle” because that is the chorus he “sang” that evening this
song was written. I believe his positive attitude can be heard through
this song “Just Whistle.” I am SO encouraged by him to live my life
intentionally! Don’t sweat the small things, dare to dream and love out
loud, and always tell those you love how much they mean to you! We never
know when our last day on earth will be.
Please “like” and
“share” this video if it encourages, inspires, or uplifts you. Share the
love and pass on Zach’s legacy. Thanks for listening to “Just Whistle.”
-Written by, Zachary Rohde, Andrea Newkirk, and Jacob Newkirk.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THE VIDEO - recorded live at his Celebration Of Life:
https://youtu.be/WdaebJshfiw
