The ninth in a series of personal notes focusing on gratitude.
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I’ve written quite a few songs, poems, etc. for family members and friends. The general intent of these pieces is to convey love, appreciation, gratitude, and so forth, but the words don’t always make this clear, and the recipient may not recognize the intent.
Over the years, Leila has occasionally reminded me that she craves, but does not always receive, words of affirmation acknowledging her considerable work running the household and caring for family members.
I tend to feel defensive about this. Haven’t I, at one point or another, made her books, posters, and songs of appreciation? What about Cardioid Mic? What about Lactating Mammal? What about Give Mama a Friggin’ Break?
My reactions betray at least two levels of misunderstanding. First, people like Leila prefer to receive thanks as a regular part of everyday life, rather than once a year in the form of a grand gesture. And, second, while these presents were offered with affection, they didn’t directly and specifically express thanks.
The first issue remains an ongoing challenge, but I tackled the second one on the occasion of our tenth wedding anniversary last June. I resolved to write her a song that actually used the words she wanted to hear.
It was a good step forward.
You do great work, love;
There’s no duty that you shirk, love!
From the office to the family circus,
You do great work!
You do great work, love,
Irrespective of the perks, love!
Just as smooth as a Mechanical Turk,
You do great work!
Going to bed at the end of the day,
I can sleep well; things are OK!
Money invested, kids doing fine!
You’ve got our backs for all time!
You do great work, love;
There’s no duty that you shirk, love!
From the office to the family circus,
You do great work!
You do great work, love,
Irrespective of the perks, love!
On this ship, you’re our Captain Kirk,
And you do great work!
On this ship, you’re our Captain Kirk,
And you do great work!
My Track Record 
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