SELFLESS LOVE

I'M BACK!

I have been away from posting for far too long. Suffice to say, I have gone through major surgery and it has taken me all this long to feel better. I want to thank all you who have sent letters, get well cards, presents, flowers......gosh. The outpouring of love was wonderful. All my life I've given of myself, my time, my money, to others, never thinking about me or wanting anything in return. What I did was for my students and friends, for the love of helping my fellowman. Yes, I have been disappointed too many times, but one gives of yourself not for one's self, but to truly help those who need a hand, need advice, need money. I've always considered myself a giver, not a taker.

When I went into the hospital, only a few people knew of my condition. Finally I told someone and that person told someone, and on and on. The letters and phone calls I received and the visits.....were very surprising, like, "how could you not tell me" and "I would have been here with you if I had known". Yes, some were angry that they were not told that I was going into the hospital. Some were absolutely upset that I did not tell them. Being a private man, I don't like a lot of people to know my business or that I don't want to impose on them, so I just kept quiet. I had no idea anyone cared about me. I SIMPLY DID NOT KNOW ANYONE CARED ABOUT ME! Isn't that amazing? I love these people, have always loved them and truly cared for them. It woke me up and reminded me that life is short, and telling your friends and family around you that you love and care for them is of utmost importance. It's a lesson well learned.

Can I tell you about my best friend, Morgan. She had surgery the week after I did, but she was at my side as soon as she could. Such love, sacrifice and devotion comes from within. She left her two children and husband at home to come and nurse me through the hell I was going through, even though she had just had surgery herself. She cooked, cleaned the house, cleaned and dressed my wounds, gave me sponge baths and sat with me through my ordeal. She saw my hurt, she saw my vulnerability, she saw my tears. When I think of how much she helped me, I get so emotional I start crying again. Mind you, I am not a crier, and it takes a lot for me to cry, and I mean a lot for me to get to that emotional level. What courage she showed. What strength of character. What love and inner beauty she exhibited. Such selflessness deserves more than life itself. I love you, Morgan.

My dad lives with me. He is 82 years old now, and getting more and more feeble. I would look into his eyes and there were always tears in his eyes. He tried to help me ease my tremendous pain which I was going through, but there was not much he could do for me. My dad, with his disabilities and can barely walk, made our meals when he could. It was difficult for him, but he did it, and never complained. He cooked what he could and I was grateful since I could not walk nor stand up. He also walked and fed Max, but with such difficulty. The love for his son was so evident and it hurt my heart so much to see him suffer for me. Such sadness just broke my heart, and again reminded me of the selfless, unselfish love that he showed me. I love you, dad.

Ray: what a great guy. He is one of my newer students and one of the finest human beings there is. Out of the blue he put himself out there and helped me through this ordeal. He walked and fed my dog Max; took me to and from the hospital and doctors visits when my dad could not. He helped me by making up beads and doing the laundry, and those endless sheets and folding them. He cleaned my room and helped me get around when I could barely walk. Even today, he tries to help me. Where this angel came from, I do not know nor deserve, but he has become my friend for being selfless and helpful in my hour of need. Ray: I love you, man!

How can I repay them? The only way I know is to love them more each day and count my blessings that somehow, some way, the debt will be repaid.

I know this blog is not about singing, but I had to explain to you, my followers, why there had been no postings. Next week I hope to resume my postings on singing and music.