Monday, December 31, 2012

Rhythm of Life


Jilda and I wrote a song several years ago entitled “The Rhythm of Life.” The lyrics describe the ebb and flow that we all face as we cruise through life. There were years when I felt as though I were riding a wave of good fortune, and then other years not so much.

This year got off to a rough start when Jilda started taking infusion treatments to help fortify a faulty immune system. Then a few weeks after my birthday in January, my mom had a stroke and died about 10 days later.

We lost two friends, and our three oldest dogs this year as well. One of the dogs died in July, one a few days before Christmas, and the other a couple days after. 

It was a year of loss, so I haven’t been myself during the holidays. Jilda was off work today and we decided to start practicing songs for an upcoming gig on January 4.

While flipping through the book of our original songs, I came across the lyrics to “Rhythm of Life.”

Although the song is not upbeat, I smiled as I read the words because they reminded me that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. 

The lyrics seemed to put things into perspective. There were times in my life that I felt lower than a snail’s belly, and I wondered if I’d ever see the light of day. But nothing says it better than the old cliche, “the sun will rise again.”

I know it’s true because I’m living proof.

I was fired on Jan. 15, 1976. What made the sack stink worse was that it was my birthday.

Jilda worked at Keynote Fashions at the time but she didn’t make enough for us to live on.

I worked odd jobs, sometimes two or three at a time to help make ends meet. The rubber on our tires was so thin you could see the air inside them.

We ate butterbeans, cornbread and a lot of Spam. Sometimes when money got really tight, Jilda’s mom and dad let us raid their cabinets. Christmas gift giving that year was slim. 

I’d gotten to know a man named Jim Young when I worked for the newspaper. He was a general manager with South Central Bell for this area. I’d written favorable stories for him, and he never forgot it.

Just before Christmas 1976, he called to ask if I’d ever considered working for MaBell. He knew I was a veteran, which didn’t hurt. The phone company gave preference to veterans in those days.

I interviewed, did well on all the tests, so on Jan. 3, 1977, I went to work as a garageman for the company.

It was like the dark clouds of that year moved off to the east and even though it was rainy and cold that first day of work, it seemed as if sunshine had come back into my life.

Below is the chorus to our song.

“Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry
You lose at love, and don’t know why
The ever flowing rhythm of life
It’s been this way, since time began
A timeless tapestry, a master plan
Life is a mystery, yin and yang in perfect harmony
The ever flowing rhythm of life.”

I hope you all have a bright and prosperous 2013.

26 comments:

  1. The rhythm of life can be hard rock or easy listening. We learn to live with both whether we like it or not. Here's hoping that 2013 is more easy listening filled with lots of high notes. Happy New Year.

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  2. The rythm of life, the lyrics makes a lot of sense to my life, thanks !

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  3. What a wonderful, wonderful story about the ebbs and flows of life. It is so true that just when things seem darkest we often find a glimmer of light. Sometimes that glimmer remains just a glimmer- just enough to light our way enough to fight through the darkness. Other time that glimmer just bursts into a steady flame and becomes an enduring light in our lives. It sounds like someone offered you that ray of light and you took it and ran with it. Good job!

    I love the lyrics to your song. I have three children that are musicians..although not all of them are practicing now and 2 of them write beautiful music. It is a blessing to hear them play and sing. There is nothing like music to ease the heart, is there?

    I hope you and your wife do well this year. I am so sorry that she has to have infusions. I worked in a hospital and know what it is like for patients to endure them. I am praying that 2013 is a much happier one for both of you- Blessings and Happy New Year~ Diana

    ps. I am your newest follower.

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  4. So true 101
    Sometimes life is scary and you don't dare be happy for fear of
    jinxing good fortune. Life is yin and yang.
    One day good one day bad.
    So you look to the good times and smile to attract the good to come into your life again.
    The song is very nice and I hope your road is full of light and beauty
    as you seem to be two beautiful people.

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  5. Rick, I so appreciate your honest and open heart when you talk about your life. You've been through so much and deserve the best. I hope 2013 is a year of gains, not losses and you and Jilda can have health and happiness...although I can tell that even with all the pain of this year, you two have each other and that brings the happiness. Love the lyrics of your song. It rings true in all our lives and it's the growth we get through those tough times that show our true character. Happy New Year and on to the best in 2013!

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  6. Rick! Your comment regarding Jilda's soul was poignant yet funny. I too have felt that way about certain items of clothing I lust after.

    Loved your chorus! Thanks for sharing.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR AND NEW YEARS DAY 2013. May it be your best year ever!

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  7. I am so wishing you and Jilda good health, cheer, lots of song, laughter and creativity for many many years to come! Happy New Year! Take care
    x

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  8. You've really had a rough year! Wishing you and your loved ones a brighter new year, filled with hope.

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  9. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. : ) Also for joining my followers.
    I'll be sure and come back.

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  10. The words of your song cut right to the heart like a truth-sayer. Sometimes we ride high and that could be appreciated more because we also know that what is up, does come down. Looking forward to lots of highs for you and Jilda in the New Year.

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  11. I went through a similar time when I had 4 small children and lost my job. I took a part-time job to keep groceries on the table, and through that was interviewed and took a job at Haloid Co., which turned into Xerox Corporation. A great ray of sunshine after some dark days in the tunnel.

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  12. I, too, have noticed this rhythm over the years. Knowing it exists makes it easier to get through the tough times.

    Happy New Year, new friend!

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  13. Even though 2012 was a year of loss, perhaps 2013 will be a year of many gains. I love the blog you have here sir. Happy New Year.

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  14. Let's hope 2013 will be a year of joy and creativity. I am sorry about all the losses you had to go through. What a beautiful poem.

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  15. Lovely post. Sorry you had a difficult year. 2008 was like that for me. Here's to a great 2013! I'm glad to have found your blog.

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  17. It was soulful. The words were simple and the story was true. Life is a series of ups and downs and at the end, Every cloud has a silver lining does ring true!

    Happy New Year to you and your family.

    P.S: I loved the song, I'm sure it'll be soothing to listen to it on a guitar !

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  18. You have a very interesting blog. I like the title too.

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.

    Bless you and your family. May this new year bring peace, health and much happiness to you all.

    Beth

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  19. First, thank you so much for stopping by my place today and for leaving such a kind comment.

    I am very happy you did so that I may now follow you. I find your blog to be very moving. Blessing to you in 2013!

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  20. Beautiful post! I'm sorry it's been a rough year. I hope the new year brings you as much joy as you can stand.

    I'm glad you had that moment. When the past you enlightened the present you. What a lovely gift you gave yourself. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  21. Wonderful post! I can identify with what you have been through. The words to your song are wonderful. I hope you have a wonderful new year.

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  22. You experienced some serious losses in 2012. I hope 2013 will be easier on your heart.

    Love,
    Janie

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  23. Hello and thank you for following my blog!
    I really like the chorus of your song, so true!

    Have a happy new year!

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  24. Thanks all for your kind words. It is my hope that 2013 is a remarkable year for us all.
    And thanks for my new followers.

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  25. Happy New Year Rick! Wonderful post. Would love to hear that song!

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