Now that Tom and I are in somewhat of a normal routine, I have had more time to reflect on all the drastic changes that have occurred in my life these past three and a half years.
After losing my husband, I moved to a different state, and decided to start a brand new life. I began taking dance lessons and that is where I met Martha.
That first night we discovered that we were both “over fifty” widows. We both had long marriages, and our husbands suffered heart attacks. But we had much more in common, and I guess that is why Martha and I felt an instant bond.
We began going to a dance club and looking back, I feel like meeting Martha was a real turning point in my life. We helped each other get back into the real world, sharing our mutual feelings, concerns and issues along the way. We were in the same boat, but we also had another thing in common. We were determined we weren’t going to sink. We were both working hard to recover and find the “new normal.”
I remember that Rascal Flatts had a song out at the time entitled Stand. We would listen to that song on the way to the dance at Big Sandy, energized by some of the lyrics that were so meaningful to two struggling widows:
After losing my husband, I moved to a different state, and decided to start a brand new life. I began taking dance lessons and that is where I met Martha.
That first night we discovered that we were both “over fifty” widows. We both had long marriages, and our husbands suffered heart attacks. But we had much more in common, and I guess that is why Martha and I felt an instant bond.
We began going to a dance club and looking back, I feel like meeting Martha was a real turning point in my life. We helped each other get back into the real world, sharing our mutual feelings, concerns and issues along the way. We were in the same boat, but we also had another thing in common. We were determined we weren’t going to sink. We were both working hard to recover and find the “new normal.”
I remember that Rascal Flatts had a song out at the time entitled Stand. We would listen to that song on the way to the dance at Big Sandy, energized by some of the lyrics that were so meaningful to two struggling widows:
You feel like a candle in a hurricane. Just like a picture with a broken frame. Alone and helpless like you’ve lost your fight. But you’ll be alright…Cause when push comes to shove you taste what you’re made of…on your knees you look up—decide you’ve had enough…you get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off…then you stand.
Martha and I both married again. I had lunch with her the other day and we talked about how wonderful things are now, and how our friendship helped us climb out of the darkness and move on with our lives. We learned how to Stand. Just like the words of the song: Every time you get up and get back in the race one more small piece of you starts to fall into place.
So, thanks, Martha. We got back in the race and discovered how to start holding on and keep holding on together. And it was so much easier for me to Stand with you by my side.
Martha and I both married again. I had lunch with her the other day and we talked about how wonderful things are now, and how our friendship helped us climb out of the darkness and move on with our lives. We learned how to Stand. Just like the words of the song: Every time you get up and get back in the race one more small piece of you starts to fall into place.
So, thanks, Martha. We got back in the race and discovered how to start holding on and keep holding on together. And it was so much easier for me to Stand with you by my side.
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10 comments:
You and I know, as songwriters, how we hope our songs will make a difference in others' lives. Proof that it can and does!
But, of course, it was up to you to hear the words and make the effort to "Stand."
Bravo, friend.
Diana
http://www.dianablack.net
Thanks Diana! That song spoke to us at the right time in our lives. And friends are always so important. United we stand!!
The excerpt of "your story" here is nothing if not incredibly inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing part of YOUR journey with us!!
I am happy to share my thoughts and I am so happy you found it inspirational!
Melinda
Great story, great lyrics, but even better, two great women!
Hats off to you and Martha!
Mary
http://marycunninghambooks.com
http://cynthiasattic.blogspot.com
Oh, MY WORD! This is lovely ... and now I KNOW you're going to eat up what I just put in the mail to you ... GOOD FOR YOU -- AND GOOD FOR MARTHA! ... I'm not kidding. :) Cathie
Oh, MY WORD! This is lovely ... and now I KNOW you're going to eat up what I just put in the mail to you ... GOOD FOR YOU -- AND GOOD FOR MARTHA! ... I'm not kidding. :) Cathie
Thanks Cathie and Mary. I do think true friends are treasures. They help us through those rough times in life. Where would we be without good friends?
Melinda
Such an inspirational tale that even speaks to this twenty-something-year-old.
Hearing about the incredible strong friendship and how it transcended darker times is so uplifting and I believe can spark hope in all.
I am so touched that the story spoke to you! Friendship is so important and Martha and I did give each other hope. I am grateful, too, that with the changes in our lives since then with our marriages, we are managing to continue our wonderful friendship.
Melinda
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