sounds

I'm not sure where this came from, but for a long time, like since high school, I have had a top 3 favourite sounds.  I don't quite remember the order...I used to have them ranked, but I definitely remember and still love my top three.  Allow me to elaborate, in no specific order:

First, is the sound of a train.  For me, there is something about hearing the blast of a train's horn in the distance and the chugga chugga of the engine and wheels on the tracks.  It somehow brings me comfort and calm.  I love how the train was the first thing to connect the East to the West in Canada.  I love how before I was married my initials matched CN Rail and now that I'm married, they match CP Rail.

Second, is the sound of the apple bells.  When I was a little girl, I had a toy.  It was an apple with a smiley face on it and it had bells inside of it.  Actually, I should use the present tense.  I still have this toy.  The bells inside this apple are the most soothing, beautiful and melodic bells I have ever heard.  A sharp contrast from the sound of jingle bells.  In fact, I have a picture of me as a toddler, walking around with this thing.  I'm not sure if it was my favourite back then, but it sure is now.

Third, is the sound of a loon calling. It's so mysterious and seems to echo in my body, every time I hear it.  Growing up, we would always try to mimic the call of the loon at 108 Mile Lake where we had our cabin.  Then, when I was on staff at Ootsa Lake Bible Camp one summer, I had the privilege of having a conversation with a loon.  I took a canoe out by myself one evening to have some quiet alone time.  It was late in the evening and a loon popped up about 10-15 feet from my canoe.  So I gave my best loon call.  He  called back.  I called again.  He ducked under the water and popped back up somewhere else, equally as close to me.  I called him again.  He called back. This went on for about 10 minutes or so, until I think he finally realized that I wasn't the pretty lady he was looking for.  So awesome.  Actually, now that I think of it, I think this is my #1 favourite sound.

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I'm not one to compare different stages of life as my favourite.  Even though I love being married, I also loved being single, for example.  You will never hear me say that being married is better than being single, or vice versa.  I feel like they are too different to compare.  I love each stage of life for what it brings, and I miss each stage that has passed for what no longer is.  Same with kids.  I'm cautious to say that something around being pregnant or having a child is "the best".  That title just seems too final for me.  You never know what else might come up that will supersede your last "best".  And, I think of friends who haven't yet had a chance, or may never have the chance to experience that "best".  And I don't want them to think that they are missing out on "the best" of something. know what I'm saying?

All this being said, I fear that I may have to contradict myself, lower the ranking of my 3 favourite sounds, and call something "the best".... at the risk of creating more longing in some people I know.

The sound of my daughter's laughter.  There's never been a sound that has made my insides actually jump with joy or a sound that has given me such peace.  and love.  I have to work hard sometimes to get her giggling, but oh, is it worth it!  This is my new #1 favourite sound.   And I think it's the best.