This story is
based partially on true facts.....
Healing Time
by Diana Taylor
I struggled with the
idea for this story for weeks. One night I told John about
my frustrations and asked him for help. The next day, the
words just started flowing. Thanks, John. Also, my
thanks to Susan Moyer who acted as my “editor” and
typed this story (she also corrected me and kept me centered).
This story was written
out of love for one of my sisters.
She battled cancer and won.
This is for her........
It was a cold December morning as Mary Ellen sat alone in the doctor's office. She hadn't been feeling well for quite some time, but always seemed too busy to take the time to make an appointment.
“Mrs. Padget? You may come on back," a pretty nurse said with a smile, interrupting her thoughts.
Mary Ellen followed her down a short hallway and into a bright exam room. She was told to remove all of her clothes on top and that the doctor would be in shortly. The nurse handed her a paper gown to put on and quickly left. Mary Ellen undressed, put on the gown and hopped up on the exam table.
Her thoughts were elsewhere as she waited. "It's nothing, probably just give me some pills or a shot and tell me to go home and rest. But I can't!” she thought to herself. “I have too much to do! I have to finish shopping for Mike's and the girls' Christmas presents....I have to buy food for Christmas dinner....Mike wants me to help him inventory the stock....let alone getting the books ready for the accountant...."
"Good morning Mary Ellen," Dr. Urschell said. "How are you today?"
Mary Ellen jumped at the sound of his voice. She began to explain about how achy feeling she had been, the tiredness and finally about the lump she had discovered on her gum one morning while brushing her teeth. She was afraid to say anything to anyone about it, not even Mike, her husband. She didn't even tell him about this visit. He had so many other matters to worry about. They owned a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Shop and even in the winter, there was still much to be done.
Dr. Urschell told her, after examining her, that he wanted to run some tests and take some x-rays. He didn't think it was anything to be concerned about, but wanted to make sure. Mary Ellen reluctantly agreed.
After about an hour, the tests were completed and the x-rays taken.
"You can get dressed now and we'll call you in a few days to let you know," was all the nurse said and then she left. No shots, no pills, no nothing.
Mary Ellen drove towards home with an emptiness inside she couldn't explain. Her only comfort being John Denver's music playing softly from her tape deck. She had always loved his music and had gone to a lot of concerts, but this time, the music seemed different to her somehow. She let it wash over her like a cleansing rain. She decided to take a long drive down an old country road that Mike and she had traveled when they used to go mushroom hunting in the Spring. How long ago had it been? Because of their busy lives, simple pleasures like walking in the woods, or packing a picnic lunch on a lazy Saturday afternoon couldn't be enjoyed anymore. There just weren’t enough hours in the day.
Even though it was less than two weeks until Christmas and the morning had a winter's chill, it was turning out to be a beautiful sunny afternoon. Indiana had been known for it's harsh winter storms and sudden weather changes. But today was quite perfect, at least for the weather.
She pulled over to the side of the road, stopped, turned off the engine and turned up the tape player. She let John's music and his beautiful voice surround her like loving arms embracing her. She really listened as she closed her eyes and saw his face. As the next song came on, she couldn't recall hearing it before. She fell in love with it and searched for the cassette case. Finding it, she quickly scanned the list of songs to find its name - To The Wild Country*. She played the song over and over many times. Why hadn't she heard this song before? Was it because of all the rushing around she did, that she lost sight of the simple things and forgot to just stop and listen? The song moved her to tears. She wept as never before, not knowing or caring why.
Before she knew it, it was 4:00 in the afternoon. Reality struck and she hurried home.
"Did you get the rest of the presents bought? It seems like you were gone forever. I started fixing supper." The familiar voice of Mike was echoing from the kitchen, as Mary Ellen entered her home. She ran into the kitchen and into his arms. She hugged her husband and gave him a loving kiss.
"What was that all about?" he asked after responding in kind to the gestures. She snuggled up to him and said, "Oh, nothing, just glad to be home."
Mike finished cooking as Mary Ellen set the table. She was grateful for his help. The girls, Heather, Erin and Jill were spending the night at their grandparents' house and they had the house all to themselves. Mary Ellen felt a tinge of guilt for not telling Mike about the doctor's visit. "It was nothing," she tried to convince herself, although in the back of her mind, she felt this gnawing feeling of dread.
The next few days found Mary Ellen jumping at the least sound of the phone each time it rang. Mike and the girls noticed, but said nothing. Whenever she could, she would steal a few moments away from her family, sitting in solitude with her tapes of John. She listen endlessly to the song: To The Wild Country* so much that she knew every word by heart. That song meant so much to her that it became her song.
She managed to get the rest of her Christmas shopping done, even though her heart really wasn't into it. Christmas has always been one of her favorite times of the year. She loved the lights and sounds of children telling Santa their wishes. She even helped at the local homeless shelter by dishing out food until everyone had been fed. She didn't feel well, but knew those people depended on her.
A week before Christmas, Mike and the girls decided to go get a tree. Mary Ellen was glad to be alone. She loved her family, but with all the constant chatter, she was grateful for the peace and quiet stillness.
About an hour later, the call came. "Hello, Mrs. Padget? This is Dr. Urschell's office. Sorry to bother you this late, but the doctor just got your test results back and wants to see you first thing in the morning. Can you come in?" a pleasant voice sounded on the other end.
"What.....? Yes....first thing..." was all Mary Ellen managed to say. She slowly hung up, walked over to the stereo and found her song. It was like John telling her he would be right there beside her, comforting her.
Hours past and she sat in the darkening room, not bothering to turn on a light. She could sense something terribly wrong. Why else had the doctor's office called after hours? She just knew the test results weren't good. She could feel the fear gripping around her like a noose. She turned up the stereo in hopes that John's music would calm her nerves.
"Hey Mom! Are you trying to wake the neighborhood? I thought John's music was to be played softly!" Erin, the oldest daughter, shouted as she reached to turn down the stereo.
Just for an instant, Mary Ellen felt her temper rising, but it quickly subsided when she saw her daughter's grin as she switched on a light. How many times had the role been reversed and she told Erin not to play her music so loud?
"Mommy! Mommy! Come look at the tree we got! It's alive!" Heather, their youngest daughter shouted as she ran to her mother and grabbed her hand. Mary Ellen smiled in spite of herself. Soon she was pulling her coat and gloves on as she headed out the door. She was on the porch looking at Mike and Jill, the middle daughter. They looked like two hunters with their trophy, each standing on either side. They both had big grins. They also wouldn't hurt a fly. Mike quickly explained the special instructions the tree farmer had told them. About leaving the tree outside, away from the wind, for 2-3 days and then moving it indoors. When the holidays were over and they were ready to plant it, they would do the opposite.
Mary Ellen inspected the tree, it was a Colorado Blue Spruce, almost 4 1/2 ft. tall. It was full all the way around. She was so glad that her family had decided on a live tree. For years all they had was an artificial plastic tree. She hated it but she didn't want to have a cut tree. This was perfect. She let herself get caught up in helping with the tree. Soon it was in an old bucket she had used for apples long ago. She thought how proud John would be that they had a live tree they could transplant and enjoy for years to come. She thought of it as her contribution to the Plant-It 2000 program John had started to encourage people to plant 2 million trees all over the world by the year 2000.
Mary Ellen slept fretfully that night. Her nightmares consisted of the phone call from Dr. Urschell's office. She awoke several times and just laid there. She ached to play her song, but knew she couldn't for fear of waking up her family. She decided to write John a letter, telling him of their tree and about how much she loved the song, her song.
She was halfway finished when Mike entered the kitchen. He saw her and asked her what she was doing. She lied and told him she was making out a shopping list for last minute things she needed to pick up at the store. She quickly folded the letter and put it in the pocket of her robe. She got up and told Mike she wanted to get an early start before the rush of shoppers crowded the stores. She quickly showered and dressed. She had made a copy of Earth Songs* which had the song To The Wild Country* on it. She grabbed it as she pulled her coat on and headed for the door. As she drove to Dr. Urschell's office, she listened to the whole tape.
She didn't have long to wait. She was ushered in almost immediately to an exam room. The doctor came in and shut the door.
"Mary Ellen, we found something on your gums. It's a tumor. We found on the biopsy, it was malignant. I don't know about this kind of oral cancer. So I spoke to some specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and they recommended surgery be performed immediately to remove the tumor. I've taken the liberty of making arrangements for you and Mike to fly to Minnesota. They specialize in this sort of cancer. It's so rare that only 5% of the American population have it. Mary Ellen, don't put this off. It simply can't wait," Dr. Urschell told her, trying to be as gentle as he could.
Mary Ellen was in a state of shock. It was as if someone had punched her in the stomach. Her worst fears had come true. Dr. Urschell had just put it into words.
"What are my chances of....." she couldn't bring herself to say the word, survival.
"The sooner the better your chances are of beating this thing. Can you leave the girls with their grandparents for a few days? You should be back in time for Christmas. You can pay for your tickets at the airport. You'll be flying Delta Airlines, your plane leaves at 6:30 a.m.," Dr. Urschell told her as he opened the door. All she could do was nod.
She managed to get in her car and start home, to tell her family about her illness and the impending trip to Minnesota. On the way, with John singing in her ears, she reflected on her life's time. Of all she planned on doing, but there never seemed to be enough time. She had always dreamed of running a little Bed and Breakfast someday. She wanted to spend a month in the Alaskan wilderness with her family. She always wanted to take them white water rafting down the Colorado River. Would she ever be able to do these things? Was it too late?
Mary Ellen found herself driving down the same country road as she had just a week ago, only this time the sky was dark and overcast, not unlike her mood. How had she been so blind? Would she ever see another Spring? To see her children grow up, have careers or get married? She prayed to God to help the doctors heal her and, she promised to make changes deep within herself, if God would let her live.
She hadn't realized she had gotten out of her car and walked up a hill overlooking a beautiful valley below. It had begun to snow, just enough to dust the countryside like sugar crystals. She saw with new eyes how everything looked so lovely. She closed her eyes and listened to the wind as it howled through the trees. All the sounds of nature were alive. She was alive.
In the distance, she could hear her tape player with the song I Want To Live*. She began to heal. She rushed to her car to discover she had turned the motor off and taken her keys with her. How could this be? She knew she had heard John singing. Could she have imagined it? Now, with renewed insights, she had to find a way to break the news to her family about her cancer. She uttered a prayer asking God to give her the strength to find the right words.
She noticed everyone was home as she pulled into the driveway. She walked into her home and gathered everyone around, "I have something important to tell all of you. I haven't been shopping like I told you. I have been to see Dr. Urschell. I found something I thought he should look at. He just told me today, after going through tests, that I have oral cancer. I have to fly to the Mayo Clinic tomorrow morning for surgery. Mike, will you go with me?"
"Of course I will. Why didn't you say something? I would have gone to the doctor with you. I'll go call my parents right now," Mike told her as he went over to hug his wife. She started to cry. Her tears had no barriers now and she let go of all her emotions. Her fears, wondering what tomorrow would bring. She let Mike cradle her and guide her over to the sofa. He sat her down and went to call his parents as the girls all milled around her. They were frightened. They never saw their mother cry. They all hugged her and Heather crawled up into her lap. Mary Ellen was so sorry that she couldn't tell them before. She wanted to spare them, but by doing this, it just added more stress onto her.
"Mommy, can we go with you?" Heather looked up at her mother with tears in her little eyes.
"Honey, I wish I could take you all with me, but I can't. I promise as soon as I get out of recovery, I will have Daddy call, ok?" Mary Ellen said, drying her eyes and looking at her beautiful family.
Mike held her that night, so tenderly, so gently. He wished with all his heart, she had told him, but now wasn't the time for "could haves, would haves, should haves". The important thing was getting her well. He hadn't told her often enough that he loved her. Over the years, they had both been busy with work and the girls. Romance almost seemed odd to him. That was something teenagers did, not an old married couple like them. But you see, Mike was changing also. He began to reflect on their life together. The first time he saw her, the way she looked and the smell of her perfume. The way she gave herself to him completely. Their courtship and their wedding, the births of their children, all held special meaning to him. He looked down at his life's mate. He still considered her the most beautiful woman in the world to him. He did love her and if it took the rest of their lives, he would make it up to her. He fell into a peaceful sleep with his arms around his wife, the mother of his children, his one true love.
The next day found them rushing around packing and scurrying to the airport. Their flight was right on time and everything seemed to go according to plan. When they landed, they caught a cab to the Mayo Clinic. Mary Ellen noticed a change in Mike. He was so much more attentive than usual. Despite the circumstances, she happened to like this new side to her husband. Almost like when they were younger. He even held her hand as they walked down the hallway to the consultation room where they were briefed.
The surgery itself took no time at all. Mike sat out in the waiting room. He got up and found the hospital chapel, he went in and prayed to God to give him another chance with Mary Ellen. He swore that if God let her pull through this, he would vow to take away any pain he had ever caused her. His inner healing had begun also.
The doctor came and found him. "Mr. Padget? We have gotten all the cancer. She will be all right. I would like to caution you however, Mary Ellen could still be at risk. She needs to be seen by her doctor yearly," Mary Ellen's physician told Mike.
He went in to see his wife, they both cried as they embraced each other, grateful God had answered their prayers. Now the healing time was up to them.
Mike phoned home and told his parents that Mary Ellen was going to be fine. He could hear the girls squealing in the background with happiness.
On the flight home, Mike put his arm around Mary Ellen and they talked as she laid her head against him. He told her that he had been so afraid of losing her. He told her that he hadn't said it often enough, but he loved her. She cried as he promised to set aside time for them. She told him that she loved him also and that she would love it if they could spend some fun time together like they used to. She mentioned that she needed to write John a letter. She told him how John's music had helped her cope with her ordeal. Mike encouraged her to write it. He couldn't help but feel guilty because she had turned to John instead of him.
When the plane landed, the girls were waiting there to greet them and take them home. Mike thanked his parents and told them he would call them later. Heather, Jill and Erin were all glad to see their mother was going to be all right.
Erin and Jill told their mother that they would make supper. Mike and the girls left Mary Ellen to lay down and rest. After she removed her shoes, she lay down and pulled a down comforter up around her. She closed her eyes and soon was fast asleep. Her dreams found her alone on a riverbank, watching the fish jumping. It was a lovely warm Summer's day. She closed her eyes and the cool breeze brushed across her face. She could smell the scents of nature and hear the birds singing all around her. She could also hear the faint strum of a guitar and singing gently carried by the breeze. As the sound got nearer, she opened her eyes. Someone was coming towards her, it was John! She was so elated see him, but a bit surprised as well. He finished his song, I Want To Live*, and sat down beside her.
"How are you doing? I know about your surgery and all emotions you have been going through. Mary Ellen, it's going to take some time, but you will heal both inside and out," he told her looking into her eyes.
Mary Ellen was in shock that he knew so much. "John, how do you know so much?" she asked.
"I have my ways," he replied grinning, "I want to sing a special song to you." He sang To The Wild Country*. Of all the wonderful songs he had written, how did he know this was her favorite?
"That song is one of my favorites," he told her putting his guitar down.
"If it weren't for you and your music, I don't know how I would have gotten through this," Mary Ellen told him, reaching out and touching his hand.
"Thank you for your kind words," John told her. Then he added something that seemed odd to her. "Mary Ellen, you have to learn to lean on your family for support. They love you and worry about you. Don't ever lose sight of what's really important to you. Notice the life that is all around you. Not just human life, but the life Mother Earth has to offer." He stood up and added, "I have to go but we will meet again."
Mary Ellen stood as John held out his hand to her. She thanked him once again and he responded by giving her one of his infamous bear hugs and bent down and gave her a wildflower. Before she could thank him, he was gone. She awoke with tears in her eyes, not because John had left, but because of the important lessons he had taught her.
It was way passed supper, but she wasn't hungry. She got up and switch on a light beside a writing table she used as a desk. She found a pad and pen. She remembered the letter she had started to John. She found it in her robe pocket and tore it up and started a new one. She wrote:
Dear John,
I hope you don't mind me using your first name, I feel as if I know you.
I wanted to tell you that I just went through oral cancer surgery. I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm a survivor.
The doctors say that out of all cancers, mine was the rarest. Only 5% of all Americans have it.
But that's not why I'm writing. Your beautiful music helped me through some difficult parts of my life, but this time, but this time I don't know what I would have done without it. My favorite song is To The Wild Country*. I identify with it. It helped me see things clearly.
Please continue to write beautiful songs and never ever give up your on going battle for the causes you believe in. I will support you in any way I can. Thank you once more.Peace,
Mary Ellen
She quickly proofread it and put the letter in an envelope with a stamp. She found his P.O. Box in an address book she had kept in a drawer in the table. She got up, put her shoes on and went into the living room. Mike had fallen asleep on the sofa and she smiled as she watched him sleep. John had been right, she shouldn't lose sight of the things most important to her.
Her children lay sprawled out on the living room floor in front of the TV She covered all of her family with blankets she found in a closet.
This was what mattered to her. The undying love she felt for her family and they for her.
She put on her coat and slipped outside silently to mail her letter.
When she returned, Mike was awake, he called her name softly and asked her how she felt. "Are you all right? I didn't come to bed because I didn't want to disturb you."
Mary Ellen came over and sat down beside him. "Yes, I'm fine. Mike, I love you" she managed to say.
He looked at her swollen face and reached for her hand, gently caressing and brushing his lips softly across it. His touch sent chills down her spine, awaking feelings that laid dormant for oh so many years. Yeah sure, they still made love on occasion, but this time was different. It was like the first time, in the beginning.
Before they got swept away, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom and quietly shut the door.
Mary Ellen awoke the next day with a song in her heart. No, not her special song, but one John had wrote for his lady at the time. The song was For You*. She remembered the words and softly hummed them to herself. She looked over at her sleeping husband. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so much love for him. It wasn't the physical attraction, although the night before had been full of passion and excitement. She almost forgot about the pain of the surgery.
She quickly slipped out of bed, took a shower and dressed. She got in her car and drove to her spot in the country. Where she had gone before. She had remembered that she used to carry a camera in the car when the girls were younger. Before life had become so hectic. She loved to capture nature on film. Whether it be a baby rabbit or a wildflower. She had thought of the dream with John. He had told her to notice the life around her.
She searched the car and then the trunk. That's where she found it, almost hidden from view. She checked to see if there was any film it. There was but then she began to wonder if it was any good. She walked up the hill with the camera slung over her shoulder. To the spot overlooking the countryside. The view reminded her of a picture postcard, or better still, a Christmas card. She focused her camera and took the shot. She heard a rustling sound behind her. There a short distance away, was a deer. She again focused and took aim with her camera. It seemed like the woods had come alive with nature. Mary Ellen took almost a whole roll of film. She promised herself she would make time to come back.
Her jaw started to ache from the cold and she went back to her car to warm up. Soon the pain subsided as she headed back towards town. She hadn't realized it, but she had driven to a local photomat. The Photomat where she had used to put her film in. They had an 1 hour service. She rewound her film and carefully took it out of her camera.
She entered the photo shop and explained about the old film. They told her they would do their best.
While she was waiting, she called Mike to let him know where she was and what she was doing. Mike commented on the age of the film and said he didn't know if it was any good. He wished her good luck and that he wanted her to be careful coming home, because of the roads.
Mary Ellen told him she would and that she loved him. She did some shopping in a small mall near the photo shop. When the hour was up, she rushed back to find out about the film.
The man behind the counter asked, "Whatever possessed you to take pictures like that?"
Mary Ellen looked puzzled at him but didn't say anything. The man stepped aside and hanging up for all to see, were her photos she had taken. She couldn't believe it! They were breathtaking. The man told her she had a real talent and that if she gave him the negatives for his shop, he would blow hers up for free. All twenty-four pictures! He promised to do them right away. She was thrilled! She agreed with the exchange and soon the photos were ready. Tucking the package of photos under her arm, she walked out of the shop, grinning broadly.
She headed home and as usual, had her tape player running. John's voice came through loud and clear. She loved the sound of it.
When she pulled into the driveway, she noticed the house was dark. She wondered where everyone had gone. After all, it was Christmas eve. Just for an instant, she felt a little hurt, but then brushed it out of her thoughts. She opened the door and the lights switched on. There stood Mike, dressed in a tux! The girls were dressed in their finest dresses. Behind them was their tree. Decorated more beautifully than she had ever seen. Mike came over and put his arm around her, "So what do you think of our tree? Do you like it?"
Mary Ellen started to cry. He asked her what was wrong and she told them, "It's the most beautiful tree I have ever seen. My tears are tears of joy. I'm just so glad to be home."
Mike kissed her as Heather, Erin and Jill watched. They started to giggle.
"What's a matter? Can't I even kiss my wife and your mother?" Mike said winking at them.
Mary Ellen looked at Mike, she had never seen him in a tux and her feelings grew deeper. He went over to the stereo and put on a song, A Song For All Lovers*. He asked his wife if she cared to dance and then bowed. She was overwhelmed. She didn't even know if he still knew how. They danced across the floor and she was swept off her feet. They were falling deeper in love, even after all these years and three children. After the song was over, Mike kissed her deeply.
"Thank you for all the years of putting up with me. I promise to you that things will be different. I even signed us up for ballroom dancing!" he said, looking lovingly into her eyes.
Mary Ellen was crying all over again, but she was smiling through her tears. The girls clapped and cheered as their parents embraced and kissed once more.
"Oh, I almost forgot. The photos! The man at the store said that they were really good. He even took my negatives and told me that if he could use them in his store, he would give me the pictures free of charge. Want to see?"
Mary Ellen went over to where she had laid the packet of photos. Mike and the kids took turns looking at the various scenes. When they got down to the few remaining, Heather asked, "Mommy? Who are these people?"
Mary Ellen looked at the remainder and was shocked. They were photos of the girls when they were smaller. One was Erin first learning to ride her bike, another showed Jill first learning to swim in a kiddie pool. Still another was Mike holding Heather right after she was born, beaming like any proud father would. Finally there was a photo of all of them vacationing in Colorado. Oh what fond memories she had. Mike also felt it as he looked at his wife. He had tears in his eyes. Where had all the years gone? It seemed like a lifetime ago. They both almost let it slip away.
"Oh, I almost forgot, this came in the mail today. It's for you," Mike said picking up an envelope and handing it to her.
Mary Ellen looked at it. The post mark was from Aspen, Colorado!! It was from John!! She tore the envelope open, making sure not to rip the contents inside. It read:
Dear Mary Ellen,
Thank you so much for your letter. It touched me deeply when I read it. I hope you are well and pray that the worst has past for you and your family. May your health continue to improve.
Mary Ellen, this is a healing time, not only for you, but for your family as well.
Never forget to not lose sight of the things that are important to you. To notice the life around you. Not just human life, but Mother Earth's life as well.
Enclosed you will find tickets for you and your entire family for a "little concert" I'm giving in the Spring at Deer Creek Music Center. They are front row center (I hope I did good!). Plus backstage passes for all of you.
See you then.Peace,
John
Mary Ellen was thrilled! She had expected some sort of form letter at best, but this was handwritten! And what he had written almost like her dream! She couldn't believe he had sent front row center seats plus backstage passes! This was the best Christmas ever. She was with the people she loved the most.
Throughout the rest of the Winter and into the Spring, Mary Ellen and Mike did things together. They did enroll in a dance class, they went to movies, traveled around at nearby towns. They even hired someone to work at the store part time. Mike encouraged Mary Ellen to start an adopt-a-highway program and enlisted some friends of his to help.
The concert at Deer Creek in the Spring was beyond words. John was excellent, he never sounded so good.
"I'd like to dedicate this next song to Mary Ellen Padget. She is a very strong willed woman that I have the utmost respect for. Last Christmas she had oral cancer and became a survivor. This song is for her, To The Wild Country*." John told the audience as he motioned for Mary Ellen and her family to stand. She was glowing as everyone stood and cheered.
John closed his concert with a new song he had written. It was called, Healing time On Earth*. He came back for an encore, the last song was It's About Time*.
Mary Ellen and her whole family loved the concert, but now she was getting a bit nervous. They waited backstage with their security badges plainly visible. A guard finally let them into a dressing room. John saw them and came over, shook Mike's hand, hugged and kissed Mary Ellen and chatted with the girls for a few minutes.
After the introductions were over, John told them, "I wish I could have met you somewhere else rather than here. I'd really like to talk and get to know all of you. Perhaps around a campfire somewhere."
Mary Ellen told him, "I would love to do that someday, but am grateful for this meeting. John, I love your songs and To The Wild Country* is my favorite. I also love Healing Time On Earth*."
"Thank you. I think that must have been my hardest song to write. I wrote it for a friend of mine who had requested it for five years! I thought the music would just be here, but it wasn't. Then it just came to me," John told her as he prepared to get ready to leave. He laughed his funny little laugh and did his "Denver Bounce", the funny little way of bobbing back and forth.
Mary Ellen and her family never forgot that concert and it always
held a special place in her heart. They did take a vacation
out to Colorado and Mike surprised her by handing her a deed to a
new Bed & Breakfast. He told her that he had talked to
the owners and they had agreed to stay on as caretakers until she
and Mike retired and moved out west.
The End
TO THE WILD COUNTRY
words and music by John DenverThere are times I fear I lose myself, I don't know who I am
I get caught up in the struggle and the strain
With my back against a stone wall, my finger in the dam
I'm losin' strength and goin' down againWhen I take a look around me, my eyes can't find the sun
There's nothin' wild as far as I can see
Then my heart turns to Alaska and freedom on the run
I can hear her spirit calling meTo the mountains, I can rest there
To the rivers, I will be strong
To the forests, I'll find peace there
To the wild country, where I belongOh I know sometimes I worry on worldly ways and means
And I can see the future killing me
On a misbegotten highway of prophesies and dreams
A road to nowhere and eternityAnd I know it's just changes and mankind marching on
I know we can't live in yesterday
But compared to what we're losin' and what it means to me
I'd give my life and throw the rest awayTo the mountains, I can rest there
To the rivers, I will be strong
To the forests, I'll find peace there
To the wild country, where I belong
HEALING TIME ON EARTH
Words and Music by John Denver
Let the mountains talk
Let the riiver run
There is wisdom here
There is much to learn
There is much to know
Much to understand
In this healing time
All across the land
You have heard my songs
Oh so many years
You have laughed with me
Washed away my tears
You have shared my joy
You have felt my pain
In this healing time
Walk with me again
through these darker days
On this narrow line
(pause as John thinks of words)
Help me find my way
Help me see the signs
I am not afraid
I am not alone
You have taught me well
You have brought me home
Let the mountains speak
Let the rivers run
As the Worlds awakes
To the rising sun
In each brand new day
In our own rebirth
In this healing times
On our Mother Earth
Let the mountain talk
Let the rivers run
There is wisdom here
There is so to learn
In each brand new day
In our own rebirth
In this healing time
For our Mother Earth
In each brand new day
In our own rebirth
In this healing time
Here on Mother Earth
*To The Wild Country written by John Denver
*I Want To Live written by John Denver
*For You written by John Denver
*A Song For All Lovers written by John Denver
*Healing Time On Earth written by John Denver
*It's About Time written by John Denver
*Earth Songs produced by Lee Holdridge and John Denver
Copyright 1998 Diana Taylor