An engagement set in Omaha, Nebraska on Mother’s Day 2008.
Avery Isabella Brooks Penney is a 31-year-old high school French and drama teacher. She became a mom at 16 and married her baby’s father two years later, after finishing high school. She added another daughter to their family after she finished college. And about two years later, she lost her husband. She never expected to fall in love again.
Todd Isaiah Henry is a 30-year-old architect. He married his wife who gave him two beautiful girls who look just like her. He lost her shortly after she gave birth to their youngest. He met Avery through a friend and learned how to grieve. And later, he realized he had fallen in love again.
Music helps set the mood while I write. That is why the inspiration playlists play such a vital role in my writing process. These are the songs that inspired the Mother’s Day short story Bacon & Eggs:
A Mother’s Prayer - by Celine Dion
For a story set on Mother’s Day, I looked through all my songs that had mother or mom in the title. Most people don’t know that this song was written for the 1998 film Quest for Camelot. I think this song perfectly represents how most mothers feel about their children.
My Heart Will Go On - by Celine Dion
This is one of Avery’s theme songs.
Mother Like Mine - by The Band Perry
This song made the playlist because of the title. And this song is perfect for a story set on Mother’s Day.
I’m Your Angel - by Celine Dion & R. Kelly
This is one of Todd’s theme songs. I’ll be honest. I kind of wish I hadn’t used it. I love Celine Dion and have listened to her music (in English and French) for years. I just wish someone else wrote this song and sang it with her.
Mother - by Sugarland
I picked this song because it is another great song about mothers.
Our Song - by Taylor Swift
I picked this song to represent the teenage romance Avery had with her high school boyfriend who became her first husband.
Momsense - by Susan Egan
I wanted songs with mom in the title. This one makes me laugh and I think it perfectly represents a typical day for moms.
Mom - by Meghan Trainor feat. Kelli Trainor
This is another great song with a perfect title for a Mother’s Day story.
A Song for Mama - by Boyz II Men
I know this song dates me. But I love this song. The words repeatedly state “mama you know I love you.” How perfect is it for a Mother’s Day short story?
All Is Found - by Kacey Musgraves
This song is from Frozen II, sung by Anna and Elsa’s mother to them. I picked it because of that.
The Dance - by Garth Brooks
This is Avery’s other theme song. It is my favorite Garth Brooks song. For Avery, and I think a lot of people, it would be easy to look back and pick a moment that if she did it differently she could’ve saved herself pain and heartache. But there is a lot you could miss out on if you don’t experience that pain and heartache.
I Knew I Loved You - by Celine Dion
This is Todd’s other theme song.
Mama’s Song - by Carrie Underwood
I wanted one more song on the playlist with mom, mother, or mama in the title.
My Love - by Celine Dion
This is the song that Avery and Todd dance to at their wedding.