When I married the love of my life in August 2016, I acquired a step-daughter, and he acquired a step-son and a step-daughter. We were instantly a family of 5. Our challenging and beautiful journey has inspired “Forevermore,” a song that celebrates love and commitment in families.
In being parents, we are reminded every day that love is a choice, an action. In all types of parent-child relationships, be they biological, step, foster, or adopted, it is not always easy to bond with a child. I’ve learned firsthand that the step-parent/step-child relationship grows gradually with commitment and consistently loving actions. In order to be an additional source of love and support in my step-child’s life, I’ve needed to grow and change in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve had to face and accept my weaknesses, have compassion for myself and my family members, and be patient with the bonding process. I often say that parenting is the cure for perfectionism. It’s impossible to get it right all the time. I’m learning to be okay with being a “good-enough” parent. The blessings and challenges of leading and nurturing children are sometimes unexpected and always worth the effort.
It’s interesting how sometimes in one’s life, events come full circle. Recently, while participating in the Oregon Symphony Lullaby Project, I’ve helped moms experiencing homelessness compose songs for their children. In the midst of parenting through traumatic life circumstances, their songs will encourage commitment in their families, be soundtracks of love for their children, and strengthen the desires and goals for emotional and physical stability in their lives. In a similar way, the writing and recording of “Forevermore” has provided me the opportunity to process and preserve what I am learning as a parent, with music expressing the soul, heart and emotion of my thoughts and feelings. This song will always be a testament of my commitment to love the children entrusted to my care.
“Forevermore” releases in-between Mother’s and Father’s Days on June 8, 2018. In sharing this song with the world, I hope to support and encourage the devotion that creates strong families. May our lives be full of love!
lyrics
This doesn’t have a screenplay
I won’t always have words to say
But we will learn from each other
in reflections of one another
You show me who I am
and who I could be
my heart will open wide, completely
as we learn to live in an intimate place
of compassion, acceptance and grace
I will love you
‘cause I choose to
it’s a choice I make every day
you are mine
I am yours
Forevermore
May you lift your chin higher
open your eyes wider
know in your heart that you are loved
It’s a privilege to know you
for I will be stronger because of you
Already we both are good enough
Go ahead and laugh
I just want to see you shine
Go ahead, reach out your hand
I’ll be here, you can place it in mine
Blessings unexpected
In the ways we become connected
Together our stories will be told
Together we’ll make our home sweet home
I will love you
Cause I choose to
it’s a choice I make every day
you are mine
I am yours
Forevermore
credits
from SINGLES,
track released May 7, 2021
Words and lyrics by Naomi LaViolette
Published by LaViolette Music (ASCAP)
Produced by Kiel Bishop, Naomi LaViolette, and Naomi’s Patreon supporters
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Kiel Bishop
Artwork by Jennifer Yoswa
A gifted songwriter and versatile pianist from the Pacific Northwest, Naomi LaViolette’s critically acclaimed recordings
have earned her comparisons to Norah Jones, Sara Bareilles, and Sarah McLachlan. Her roots are deep in classical music—she has a master’s degree in classical piano performance—but she has also immersed herself in jazz standards, folk songs, soul, pop, and gospel....more
The UK pianist, a touring member of Black Sabbath, Travis, and others, returns with his first contemporary-classical album in over 20 years. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2021
The second EP from Northern Irish singer-songwriter Bea Stewart runs from gentle folk to pillowy pop ballads, all perfectly executed. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 15, 2024
Michelle Stodart’s folk music captures hope in melancholy, addressing the transformational aspects of the most challenging times. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 3, 2023
Folk artist Josienne Clarke revisits music from her back catalog, infusing these lonesome songs with a new luminosity and drive. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 18, 2023