In a message dated 3/24/01 10:38:21 AM Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I hope I
> haven't bored anyone to tears but I couldn't let this opportunity to
> share how Joni got *me* through it.
>
>
Cassy,
There are tears my eyes, but trust me, not from boredom. What a beautiful
and inspirational story! Having just gone through a quadruple bypass this
past Valentine's Day, I can relate to so much of what you were saying, though
I must admit, I don't think I faced nearly as many challenges as you did.
I am so happy that you had someone like Thom to stand by you in your time of
need. I know I couldn't have made it without the loving support of my wife
Betty. Similarly, over the past month or so, I have had numerous
communications with Brian and Mags, so I know how important Mags was in
Brian's recovery. To all the Thoms and Bettys and Mags of the world - I
salute you! During the recovery process, it is often difficult to be the
loving partner that we should be - we're often too preoccupied with our own
situation, our own pain, our own pity, to realize how difficult this
situation is for you as well. Bless you for looking past these
indiscretions, and supporting us any way.
Cassy, like you, I often overlook Court and Spark. In my case, I think it's
because I tend to dismiss it as Joni's Pop album. I recognize it as a
classic, but when I'm searching for a Joni album to play, I tend to bypass it
for the more heady stuff. However, once in a blue moon, the mood will strike
me, and I'll play it, and I'll always be blown away by it. In fact, I can't
wait to finish typing this, so I can run down stairs and play it. After
hearing your story, this album will have a whole new meaning for me.
As far as Joni music getting me through tough times, I would have to point to
Hejira. This whole album was like listening to my life story at the time it
was released. I was in the the death throws of a long term relationship with
a woman whom I considered a soul mate. I couldn't imagine my life without
her. I wasn't suicidal or anything, but I did have bouts of extreme
depression. It would be hard to pick out one song that helped me through
this time, though if I had to pick one it would be Song for Sharon. Throw in
a little Hejira, Amelia, Blue Motel Room, Refuge of the Roads, Black Crow,
Strange Boy, and Coyote and you had glimpse of my life. Oddly, though it was
the opening line of the album that eventually rang the loudest and the truest
- No regrets, Coyote. What power these three little words have over me. And
what a beautiful idea - regardless of where life takes us, through successes
and failures, ups and downs, have no regrets. Welcome life with open arms.
Savor the good times, and learn from the bad times.
No regrets, Coyote.
Jack
