Movies, television programs and stage shows have soundtracks; a list of songs that are written to help set the tone and convey the message of the show. These collections of music are often recorded as albums that can be purchased separately. When you hear a particular theme song from a soundtrack you are immediately reminded of a scene in that movie or production.

If you saw “The Sound of Music”, when you hear songs like “Climb Every Mountain”, “Do Re Mi” or “My Favorite Things”, you can see Julie Andrews and the children and even picture the majestic beauty of the Alps.

If you’re a “Wizard of Oz” fan, songs like “We’re Off to See the Wizard” or “Munchkin Land” bring up images of Dorothy and her friends.

 If you’re a “Lion King” fan you’re familiar with the song “Hakuna Matata”, sung by Timon and Pumbaa.  And who can forget that jazzy little Caribbean crab singing “Under the Sea” in “The Little Mermaid”?

Some of the theme songs have lyrics, others are instrumental, but they still have the power to transport you right back to the scene from the movie. For example, when you hear the theme song from E.T. you can just see those cute little extra-terrestrial eyes and picture he an Eliot riding that bike through the air. . Or when you hear the theme song from “The Godfather”, you can picture Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and the rest of the fellows.

Did you ever consider that there is a soundtrack for your life?  There are certain songs that hold special meaning for you and mark special events. If you think back over the relationships and occurrences of your life, you’ll find that certain songs are indelibly etched into your memory.

Here of some of the songs from my life’s soundtrack:

• “Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra” – A lullaby that my mother sang to me
• “Moonlight Sonata” – my first major piano recital piece
• “A Ribbon in the Sky” – the processional song from my wedding
• “For God So Loved the World” – the duet my sister and I sang at our father’s funeral
• “ Somewhere out There” – a duet I sang with my son, when he was 7 years old

The list goes on and on. Music has marked so many milestones in my life and continues to do so. But I’d like to hear from you. What are some of the songs from the soundtrack of your life?