Something You Said
My older sister Sharon, me, and Charlie.
by Trisha Leone
I’ve memorized the way you walk and the way you talk. I’ve taken notes and written down your words so I don’t forget. I’ve spent a lifetime following you, watching you, and wanting to be just like you. You were my guide through the wilderness of growing up. Through the awkward teenage years, when I was too skinny, too tall, and too flat-chested, you were the one who taught me the things that really mattered—good music, cute clothes, and following your heart.
You rocked that baby blue velour bikini and those short cut-off shorts with embroidered flowers. I couldn’t wait until you passed them down. Of course, they didn’t look the same on me but they made me feel like I was all that. And the music, Frampton Comes Alive, Tommy, and Jefferson Starship, that touched my soul deep inside and would forever lead me on a lifelong journey. I studied the album covers, the colors, the faces and ran my hands across them absorbing the images through my fingertips. You took me to my first concert to see Fleetwood Mac and bought me the t-shirt. It was there I would fall hopelessly in love with Firefall. Afterward, we went to Peaches Records and bought the Buckingham Nicks album, which I still treasure to this day.
At one of Sharon’s swim meets in Jekyl Island, Georgia.
Music and cute clothes, those are still the essentials, but you’ve taught me so much more. To be brave, to follow my heart, to dance to the jukebox, to laugh uncontrollably, to go within, to trust my intuition, to love myself, to be in my body, to write my own story, to find peace in chaos, and most importantly, not to take life or myself too seriously. Little things, gifts you gave me, remind me daily that you’re still leading the way— a leather journal cover, a leaded glass moon that hangs by the tub, meditation and yoga CDs, and lots of worn pieces of paper where I have written down your words, because I really don’t want to forget—they are my lifeline of hope.
You’re my north star, still clearing the way, taking the heat, sneaking me in the back door, and holding my hand. Thanks to you, I know what a woman who lives and loves freely looks like. She’s beautiful, wild, and rocks this game called life. I still want to be just like her.
Song Lyrics
Something You Said
I wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget
On an envelope that holds my place in a book
A piece of paper, folded up small
A napkin in my pocket, I kept them all
Words scribbled on a page
A voice of reason to lead the way
They keep me from going insane
I’ll never know how you know, just what to say
You said be brave and follow your heart
Trust yourself and write your own story
Lighten up and have some fun
Girl you can’t give what you don’t have
Love yourself, that was something you said
You didn’t know but I was listening
To the words you spoke but never said out loud
But I heard you live your truth
I don’t know how I’d make it if I didn’t have you
You’re my north star, you’re in the lead,
Breaking the trail, taking the heat.
You’re holding my hand, sneaking me in
letting me know that I’ve got a friend.
You said be brave and follow your heart
Trust yourself and write your own story
Lighten up and have some fun
Girl you can’t give what you don’t have
Love yourself, that was something you said
