Simon and Garfunkel’s song, “El Condor Pasa” had been a favorite since 1971. Then, and now, the words remind me of Larry and of flying, both literally and spiritually. The lyrics also reflected my gratitude—gratitude that I had been discharged from the Menninger Clinic and no longer lived on a locked ward. After leaving the Clinic, I could decide where Laura and I went, where and when we ate; I could even choose to go to Lake Shawnee for a picnic. Those types of decisions had all been made for … [Read more...]
Keep on Dancing
Seventy? Really? How did that happen? Sunday, June 4th, is my birthday. I’ll be seventy. Seventy sounds old, so I decided to do an internet search. I read, “Seventy is the beginning of old age.” Oh my! As I thought about this upcoming milestone, I reflected back on my life. I always thought the day I was born was the beginning of old age, the beginning of me until I’m not anymore, one day at a time. In lieu of the alternative, I try to live one day at a time, especially since I got sober. I … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The first time I heard "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel, I was sitting on the floor of the pool room of the psychiatric ward in Lubbock, Texas, where I was hospitalized after Larry left for Florida. Here’s a video of the song. It was 1970 and Larry was stationed at Hurlburt Field on the Florida panhandle, the training base for pilots assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command headed to Vietnam. Laura was at the babysitter’s. Mesmerized by the words of the song as … [Read more...]
Rose Garden Perspectives
Rose Garden 1: Beginning Treatment After I was admitted to The Menninger Clinic and completed my initial psychological tests, Dr. Roberts enrolled me in daily sewing, art and gym classes, as well as weekly piano classes. The first day of classes, I overslept. Dr. Roberts showed up at my room. He made it clear I was to attend classes daily, because they were a major part of my therapy. He waited in the hall while I dressed for a walk on the grounds. As we walked, he emphasized the … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: Rose Garden
Music has always been central in my life. After Larry left for Vietnam, it was especially important. I listened to our music on our hi-fi after Larry left and on the hi-fi at The Menninger Clinic in the patient lounge. A favorite was "Rose Garden" recorded by Lynn Anderson. Here's a video of Anderson singing the song. Anderson's version of "Rose Garden" is one of the most successful country crossover recordings ever. It was released in October, 1970, the same month and year I admitted … [Read more...]
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