June 11, 2006 - 12:05 p.m.
Her voice could melt butter. Those type of singers don't come along every day. Some are born with gifts beyond their comprehension and dedication. One such person throws away her gift a little each time she raises the can to her lips. I shake my head in disbelief, frustration. She gave it all away before age 40.
I imagine myself sitting in a rustic, hometown retirement cabin. The wooden rafters allowing just enough sunlight to shine through the triangular glass windows. There is a rocking chair in one corner near the fireplace. Because it gets cold and damp back east, I have a wood burning stove insert. The crunchy granola, green inside prefers a pellet stove. My nephew stops by to play the drums. And musicians drop in at different times of day. Everyone always welcome. Bringing whatever gifts or talents they wish to share. Isn't that the purpose of collaboration, camaraderie, friendship.
I look across the lake at earlier times. The young adults starting a new family. The middle age woman going through a lengthy divorce. And a retired military person enjoying her golden years. God knows the struggles and sorrows of modern day life. How I made it through without having a drug addiction or alcohol dependency is a miracle, blessing in itself.
~ Soldier Girl
