Dad Starts Singing Karaoke to Disabled Son, Can't Hold Back His Tears
It’s been said that music is a language absolutely anyone can access. Cognitively, those combined rhythms and harmonies are actually processed much differently than mere words or pictures alone.
Maybe that’s why a favorite song can soothe an angry mood, or uplift someone who’s feeling down. Music speaks in ways that go beyond our human understanding.
It’s possible that Terry Oxendine wasn’t thinking about any of these things when he recently began singing karaoke to his young son Judah.
Maybe this caring father just wanted his sweet boy to know how much he’s cherished.
Judah, according to his mom’s Facebook page, struggles with certain developmental disabilities.
Linda Maynor Oxendine’s posts show a brave and beautiful little guy who spent some of his earliest days being cared for at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.
Her video depicts dad Terry softly rocking the young toddler, and at least one of those challenges is evident. A thin tube is secured near Judah’s nose, and protrudes from his sturdy young body.
But all that really matters between father and son is the song being shared in that moment. It’s called “Boy,” by country music singer Lee Brice.
It’s a tune whose poignant lyrics speak of love that lasts a lifetime. And as Terry continues crooning, it’s evident that his emotions run deep.
Several times his voice trails off, and he’s encouraged by another female voice to keep going. Little Judah snuggles trustingly against his father, while the tender melody envelops them both.
Tears begin to flow as this devoted dad strives to continue. “I can’t,” he says repeatedly, but it’s clear from the video that Judah is relishing every single note.
“Boy, you’re gonna hate this town/Wish you could burn it down,” proclaim the lyrics of Brice’s fatherly tribute. The next line adds, “That fire in your eyes is twenty counties wide.”
Clearly overcome with emotion, Terry finally sits down on the couch with his treasured baby boy, examining those tiny, miraculous fingers.
Judah gazes up adoringly at his dad, and smiles, and laughs in unassuming joy.
Life may be confusingly complex, but this captured moment is as pure and uncomplicated as they come. A parent and child, bound together by never-ending devotion.
And as the video footage trails off, the music continues to swirl around them both. “’Cause you’re a part of me,” proclaims the song’s chorus — and in the end, that simple truth is all that really matters.
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