I'll never forget the day I found out John Denver died. It was 1997 and I was sitting in my dingy, grey cubicle at Cintas...my first "official" sales job. I'm not sure how I found out...if a customer told me, if I heard it on the radio, if my co-worker mentioned it (which is what I think happened). I do remember, however, I couldn't stop crying...not snot like, can't catch your b-b-reath tears. More like chew on your cheek, silent sorrow. One by one, the tears fell. I couldn't stop them. By mid-day, it was too much. I made up some excuse, went home, and wept.
John Denver was like family to me....which is odd for a man I've never met. Growing up, I spent hours laughing/crying/dreaming, as I listened and sang along to Country Roads, Grandma's Feather Bed, Annie's Song, and Sunshine on My Shoulders. My love of music, Muppets, and fiddles began with him...as did much of my desire to change the world, end poverty, and clean up my community.
The first time I ever heard somebody talk about the issue of hunger, it came from John Denver. He also gave me a profound appreciation for my Country Girl roots...which is ironic considering where I am writing from today.
As I sit in the spare bedroom of my parent's house, it's only fitting that John Denver should come on the tv--singing on a PBS special. For two hours, I forgo sleep, worry, and canasta, just to be with him. A half hour later, I'm still here...hoping, thinking, and smiling.
I can't really express what it means...to hear his words, see his face, and love his music. Rather than try, I'll just say this...
"If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way."
--Sunshine on My Shoulders, John Denver.
I love you. Hope you are happy.
Altered Today: Memories, Appreciation, New Place I want to Visit
Love you, my friend. Hope you are feeling good today!
Posted by: Melissa | 06/12/2011 at 03:23 AM
That's Awesome Kathy !! I agree..He was an awesome songwriter and musician!
Posted by: Wanda | 06/12/2011 at 08:20 PM
Miss and love you lot's!
Posted by: Shana | 06/13/2011 at 12:01 AM
My teenaged years were spent listening to John Denver. I saved my babysitting money so I could buy a guitar and I learned to play his songs. My favorite? "This old Guitar" It still makes me happy when I hear his voice on the radio! Thanks for the memories.
mo
Posted by: mo | 06/13/2011 at 07:46 PM
Mo--I LOVE This Old Guitar. Soooo beautiful. I also love Poems and Prayers and Promises, Rhymes and Reasons, The Box, Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado...so much good stuff. I've spent the last two days looking up songs on YouTube. Wonderful. Not as good as being there, but almost.
Posted by: Alter Everything | 06/13/2011 at 08:12 PM