This past weekend I had an awakening of sorts. First, I attended the wedding of a cousin that went through a lot of personal turmoil. Amongst many other trials and tribulations, he lost his wife of 41 years three years ago. I haven't seen him much since her passing, but when I did there was something missing. He just was not the same as I remebered him growing up. Out of the blue, my dad called me and asked if I wanted to go to my cousin'd bachelor party with him. I said sure and away we went. When I saw my cousin, I saw a totally different guy than I had in quite a period. He was laughing and kept saying how happy he was.
I had never met his fiance until that night. I could see what made him happy. She was so full of life and just a firecracker. Saturday they were married. When I saw his kids stand up and say a few words, it was amazing. Here is a woman that was about to take a role that their mother had held their whole lives. They let down those barriers and fully accepted them into their lives as family. They were genuinely happy for their dad. I saw so much love and acceptance of this woman from so many. It made me think that I can be a far better and more forgiving person.
The other revelation from that wedding is that there was family that I had not seen in quite some time. We don't live too far from them, but, our lives are always so busy and the opportunity to get together has not been in abundance. I saw these folks and realized how much I truly missed them and how much I was loved. I know how much I am loved and worried about my parents, brother, sister, son and a few close friends. But, when I see some of these people and they welcomed me with open arms, to say that I was surprised, is an understatement.
I spent some time with a person that I have made friends with and have began dating. She is someone that has wiggled her way into my soft side. Damn it! I say that in jest. She has been slowly becoming someone that I could see a long term relationship blossoming with. We spent a very baring time together. We shared some very personal life events with one another. Sharing these stories and occurrences took a great amount of trust in one another. To open up and be vulnerable takes a lot for me to do. Why? Well, my relationship track record has been a bit spotty the last few years. I have made some mistakes and people have been hurt. I was hurt and was not sure that was something I wanted to risk.
After this few days it became very clear that I have met someone that I really don't have to worry about that with. I have figured to leave all of the vulnerability, insecurities and bullshit behind me. I have found someone that we learn from each other and share so much. We can bring those great things out in one another. I look forward to the future and our adventures to be had.
I also had something that came out of left field and made me feel young again. I found a documentary about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. My history with this music runs deep and holds a special place with me. The "Southern Accents" tour was my first concert. That started me on the path to losing my hearing. Seriously, I have to wear a hearing aid as a result of too many concerts and drag racing with no ear protection. Long story short, their music is some of my favorite. There are two bands that when I hear their music my mood changes and I smail. Thos bands are The Beach Boys and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
His list of great songs range from Breakdown, American Girl, Baby's a Rock N Roller, Refugee, The Waiting, You Got Lucky, and Rebels to his "solo" work like Free Fallin'. Great music like Learning to Fly and You Don't Know How It Feels, just to name a few. This music has always spoken to me and has been a huge part of my life. Watching this documentary took me back to so many places in my life and restored my happiness in music and its place in my life.
Lastly, this weekend would have been the 46th Wedding Anniversary of two of my favorite people in the world. Tim and Donna Crowther came into my life about 30 years ago. Tim was a Little League coach and Police Officer at the Glendora Police Department. He was a contemporary and friend of my dad's. When he learned who I was, he took me under his wing like he did with so many of Glendora's youth. This act of kindness was one of the most memorable and fufilling events of my life.
Donna Lund Crowther has been one of the most caring, charismatic and flat out beautiful people that I have ever met. She walks into a room, onto a baseball field or a car show and you know it. From her voice to her fire red hair, Donna is the life the party. She has been like another mother to me, hence her nickname Momma C. She is an angel.
Unfortunately, in 1996, Tim was taken from us. A huge void in the life of so many. His family has endured his loss beautifully. They are lucky to have had him in their life, as well as so many others. These two people were the model of people loving each other through thick and thin, opposites attract and a husband and wife being best friends. TC, I miss you and think you almost daily. Your presence is still felt in my life and I use your words of wisdom frequently. Donna, I always look forward to the car shows so that I can hear that voice and laugh. It soothes me to this day. No doubt that you and Lt. would still be serving the Pride of the Foothills in some way and making it a better place to live. In case you havent figured it out, these people are people I respect and love immensely. Just sayin'...........
