The lyrics all fit. The mournful cry of trouble dogging souls and worry bothering minds, and the weariness of getting up only to be knocked down again, and then, suddenly, the embrace of a love that is truly, tenatiously, saving. I can relate, Ray. I can relate.
I had to use a little subterfuge to pull it off. At one point, Leslie found a well-thumbed print out of the lyrics, complete with notations. “Oh, that,” I said. “I’m using it as a lesson with an ESL student to help improve her diction.” Luckily, she bought it.
Leslie’s birthday did not start well. Plan A fell through. There was no Plan B. I couldn’t quite figure the optimal timing to set up the scene, though we did have a bit of a scene working out a new option for the day, hardly the romantic prelude I imagined. Finally, all I could do was take her hands in mine. Guide her to a comfortable couch. Pull my wheelchair close. Close my eyes. And croakily croon a little love at her. I got through the first stanza and chorus dry-eyed until I hit these words, “She won’t let me go. She won’t let me go now.” I’m not sure why she was weeping. But my tears were equal parts gratitude and grace. I believe I saw relief in her eyes and the pain of acceptance. That trouble might still dog us and worry might never leave us, but we should cling to love and affection.
A love song. I’m touched in a melancholy way!
I can always count on you as first responder, Sterling. Thanks for your emotional generosity and responsiveness. (Oh, and aren’t all the best love songs tinged with melancholy?)
Your posts are always moving and original (there I am judging again, a bad habit I’m trying to break). Just wanting to say they are very much appreciated and enjoyed! Thank you, thank you.
Moving and original, that’s my aim, though I’m not always sure I get there. So judge away, Judy. This morning I’ve been searching for other blogs that seek to educate and entertain, and then I found yours. Your whimsy and wit resonate. Do you have any other favorites in the blogosphere for this new writer?
Hi Randy,
I met you yesterday at the Met Market. Yep, I’m the girl whose groceries you paid for when she realized she’d left her wallet behind. Thank you, again, so much. It was such an act of kindness. The grace of God working through human hands and heart. I am looking forward to passing on the gift.
I perused your blog and wanted to say thank you for sharing your story, thoughts, and the work you are doing. I especially liked, “Trouble Trouble….” (beautiful; may you two enjoy many more years of loving and cherishing each other) and “Birth, Death and Everything in Between” (gritty and relateable, even for those not in a wheelchair).
And, yes, I did share it just now with my Facebook friends. 🙂
Thank you, again.
God bless,
Sheila
Sheila, you are as good as your word. I’m always fascinated to find out which topics feel universal to other readers, so thanks for that feedback. You must have a powerful network because I’ve seen an uptick to traffic to your favorite blogs since you shared my work. Bless you!
I just looked up the song and I have to say thank you. That is a great song. That you for sharing your story.
I had to re-read the last paragraphs twice. First time through my eyes were too filmy with tears to make out all the words. Not letting go – that’s the gritty reality of strong love.
That really caerptus the spirit of it. Thanks for posting.