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07/04/2007: "Highs and Lows"
My first trip to Europe was in June of 1983 when I graduated from college. We landed in Heathrow and got on a tour bus headed for London. I will never forget the sight along that route. As we drove down the freeway I noticed cars had pulled off to the side of the road and their occupants were sprawled out on the grassy embankment. It was the strangest thing to see. The further we drove the more people you saw laying spread-eagle on the ground along side the road. I finally asked the driver what was going on. He said that it had been raining and cold for months and this was their first day of warm sunshine.
It was about a year later that I wrote a song called “Rain”, trying to capture the notion that a person couldn’t experience a true high in their life unless they had been through the lows. It’s why people sing the Blues. Embracing and living the heartbreaks opens the door for elation and joy.
The other night, as I sat feeling sorry for myself, with neck pain, no voice, lungs that “suck”, and chemo sickness, I thought, now here is a new low. I must say, it won’t take much of a bump from here for me to consider any success a high.
Amazingly, I have had more than my share of big bumps throughout my life. Back in school, I was fortunate to be very successful in academics, sports and student leadership. Later, I found a profession and career that I truly love. I married an incredible woman who turned out to be an amazing wife and mother. And my kids have been on the giving and receiving side of unconditional love beyond my imagination. I can still remember crying with joy at Alex’s ultrasound when we found out she was a girl. I can also remember crying in pain as, two years later, we found out she was autistic. Still, we have made enough money to live in a beautiful home and been able to afford a wonderful lifestyle. Our kids get the best support that is available. I am truly in a tiny and blessed percentile on this planet.
So I will sing the Blues for now, but plan on me celebrating the highs when they come.