It was early autumn and the Aspen leaves were showing off their bright colors.  The morning sun sparkled on the clear water of Maroon Lake.  The pristine Maroon Bell mountains reflected it's mirrored image onto it.  Julie got up extra early so she could drive to the Bells.   As it was the off-season, she didn’t have to worry about the road being closed.  Maroon Bells attracted so many tourists from around the world that the road was closed to all except buses during the busy seasons.

        It was a beautiful day, but Julie was troubled.  Many changes had occurred over the past year.  After 5 years of separation, she and her husband had finally decided to divorce.   She was cast into a different role.  Adjustments and decisions had to be made.  She was the sole caregiver to her three boys who were back in Indiana with their grandparents.

        She needed some solace and there was no better place than here.  She unloaded her vehicle that contained a small lunch, thermos, blanket and her guitar.  All were neatly placed into a carton with handles.  Except, of course, her guitar.  She took a quick survey, picked up the box and her guitar, locked her car and went in search of the "perfect" spot.  She soon found it near the water's edge.  She unburdened herself, got the blanket out of the carton, spread it out and sat down while reaching for the rest of her belongings.

        She dined on cold cuts, chips and iced tea.  She realized, even after years of performing this, she overpacked.  After she was finished, she put the leftovers back into the crate.  She took out her guitar and softly began to play.  Julie had always loved music.  She had taken guitar lessons in high school after hearing her favorite recording artist, John Denver, for the first time.  He was singing Leaving On A Jet Plane*.  His voice captured her heart.  So crystal clear, it moved her to tears.  Now, almost 30 years and close to some 300 songs later, it was still one of her favorite songs.  She had always dreamt not only of meeting John, but also playing a duet with him.

        She had followed his career from past to present.  She learned about his passion for the environment and his undying love for Mother Earth.  His compassion for those in need, whether it be the hungry or the homeless, inspired her.  He was always ready to lend a hand and voice.  She felt close to this man they called John, even though she had never met him personally.  She ached when his marriage to Annie ended.  Her heart soared like an eagle when he finally found a new love, Cassie.  Her joy overflowed at learning about the birth of his daughter, Jesse Belle.  Only to weep openly with him when his marriage ended a few years later.  She had become the woman she was today because of John.  She had even persuaded her family to vacation out here, in Colorado so that she could experience all the things he sang about.

        One thing Julie never did or would ever do was seek him out.  To her, it would be an invasion of his privacy.  She knew how much he must have valued his time.  Julie heard a sudden noise behind her.  She turned around and saw a man standing behind her.  He was about 6 feet tall, had blond shoulder length hair but it was combed neatly, a full beard and sunglasses.  He had a guitar in his hand.  He wore blue jeans and a dark blue shirt, unbuttoned slightly.

        For some reason, Julie wasn't afraid of him.  She glanced around and noticed that everyone had left.  Now it was only the two of them.  The man motioned to her if he might join her and she nodded.  He sat quietly, never uttering a sound.  She thought it odd but still felt no threat from him.  He motioned for her to continue and she played, hesitantly at first, Sunshine On My Shoulders*.  The man joined her without a dropped note.

        Something seemed familiar about this man, but she couldn’t quite understand why.  She knew he must like John’s music because every song she played, he joined in without missing a beat.  Even the least popular ones.  It was as if he had studied them.

        It was getting to be late and the sun was slowly fading behind the Bells, making them more beautiful with a rich glow.  The man got up, still never saying a word.  He offered his hand to Julie.  She took it and rose to her feet.  He helped her gathered her things and carried them back to her car for her.  As they reached her vehicle, he gave them to her, waved good-bye and disappeared into the darkening night.

        As she arrived back at Glenwood Springs, where she was staying, she noticed she had a message from her children.  She quickly called home and assured everyone she was fine and that she would be home at the beginning of the following week.
 Somehow playing John's music with this man seemed to calm her.  She began to look at life more clearly.  She was understanding how to improve her life and make her family's life better.  She slept peacefully for the first time in months.
 Julie awoke the next morning with a renewed attitude.  Was this all due to the handsome stranger?  She couldn't understand her new outlook on life, it was almost like she had been years ago.

        She quickly showered and dressed.  She had planned on going into Aspen to go shopping, but instead, found herself stopping at a small convenience store for picnic supplies and driving back to Maroon Bells.

        Again she observed a few families taking their time to enjoy the last days of Indian summer.  She settled herself with a box of her picnicking supplies and the guitar.  She spread her blanket on the same spot as before.  She wondered if she would see her handsome stranger today.  After eating her lunch, Julie took her guitar out of its case and began to play softly.

        She didn't hear his footsteps this time, but instead, felt his presence.  She turned around and there he stood as if he was waiting for her to invite him to sit and play his guitar with her.  The man motioned if he might join her and she nodded.  She noticed again, they were alone as before.

        They played songs together all afternoon.  She began to sing.  It felt good to be able to let go of her problems and be herself.

        Julie found herself coming back everyday to the Bells.  And everyday the man, whom she slowly realized had become her friend, would appear after everyone had left.  She almost felt as if the mountain and lake was theirs.

        Part of her wanted to find out more about this new friend, but then again, part of her thought it intriguing.  She never questioned him or even spoke to him at all for that matter, only used hand signs.  She wasn't even sure he could speak.  She looked forward to his daily visits and duets.  He was always polite and helped her to her feet, carried her things to her car, waved and disappeared into the falling shadows.

        Soon it was Friday and the last day before she had to head back to Indiana and her family.  She didn't want to go, but knew she must get back to her children and their lives there.

        For some unexplained reason, Julie took extra care that morning dressing, and even wore makeup, something she never did in the mountains.  She only used a little to bring out her features.  She braided her long chestnut hair and tied it back with a ribbon.  She choose to wear a pair of tan jeans and a hunter green sweater.  She had heard on the radio that there was a 30% chance of afternoon rain or snow showers.  But even the threat of rain or snow wasn't as great as her need for their daily "concert" she had come to depend on.

        There was something familiar about this man.  She would see if perhaps she could get him to speak, if he was able.

        Her routine was down pat.  Pick up lunch, only this time enough for two, drive out to Maroon Bells, settle on their spot and wait.

        Only today for some strange reason, everything seemed to be taking an extra long time.  She had forgotten to get gas the night before so she had to stop in Basalt, a town half way between Aspen and Glenwood Springs.  The convenience store was so backed up she had to wait ten minutes more than she had all week.  She thought that it was due to it being the start of the weekend.  She finally headed to Maroon Bells shortly after 1:00 in the afternoon.  There was hardly anyone around when she got there.  The air had a nip in it, but still she carried her supplies to their spot by the lake.  The sky looked dark and overcast, unlike the clear blue Colorado sky that had shone itself all week.

        She prepared the box of food and her guitar.  Julie kept watch for her friend all afternoon.  She looked at her watch, 1:30- 2:00- 2:30....  Was he even coming?  She had been so looking forward to his being there.  Her heart sank and she felt tears welling up and soon her hot tears streamed down her cheeks.  Her friend wasn't coming.  She couldn't even say good-bye and how much she enjoyed their time together.

        Julie angrily brushed the tears away.  It was crazy to get this upset over a man whom she only knew through John's music.  Just as her spirit had been dampened, Heaven opened it floodgates.  She barely had time to gather up her things before she could get to the nearest shelter house.  She was soaked before she made it.   She tossed her picnic into the nearest trashcan.  She sat down on one of the picnic tables and sobbed uncontrollably.  Her sweater stuck to her like a new skin.  Her mind went through various emotions.  First she was angry at her friend for not showing up, but then had he shown any indication during the past week of showing up?  Then she began to panic, what if he had gotten in some kind of accident?  She chided herself for being upset with him.  After all, she had no holds on him.  Besides, he probably didn't come because of the inclement weather.

        What she had so carefully taken pains to do that morning in dressing and putting on make up, was now ruined by the rain.  She could only imagine how she must look.  A drowned rat would about sum it up.

        As the day turned into dusk, the rain stopped and Julie decided to go back to her empty room and pack.  She would leave tonight instead of in the morning.  As she stood up, she felt a hand on her shoulder.  She turned around to find her friend standing there with a handful of daisies and a dry blanket.

        Julie’s joy in seeing him overflowed as she blurted out one question after another.  Asking him if he was okay, why was he late, where had he been, why didn’t he come sooner?  Realizing she was making a fool of herself she quickly apologized.  Her friend held up a hand to quiet her as he gently shook his head in an amused way.  He handed her the daisies, which she accepted shyly.   He gently draped the blanket around her shoulders.  Then....

        “I’m sorry,” he said with a slightly raspy voice.

        Julie stepped back looking her friend directly in the face with a look of wonder on her own.  She wasn’t scared, just startled that he had spoken after not saying a word all week.  That voice was strangely familiar but before she could say anything more, her friend gathered up her belongings and gestured for her to follow him.

        Instead of heading back to her car, he led her in the opposite direction.  As they quickly made their way down a well worn but unused path, Julie couldn’t help but wonder where they were going.  Still, she was unafraid.  She thought she must be crazy to completely trust this man as she was.  All she knew about him was that he liked John’s music.  But something about him made her feel safe and secured.  And that voice, why did it seem as if she heard it before?

        They had been walking for some time when they came to the other end of the path.  There before her appeared the most beautiful house Julie had ever seen.  It had a wonderful view of the mountains and overlooked the town below.  The redwood siding and white trim made the house look as if it had always been a part of the mountains.  Julie assumed this was her friend’s house as he led her to the front door.

        They stopped just inside the door as her friend put down her belongings.  Then he again motioned for her to follow and led her down a short hallway, decorated with beautiful paintings and enlarged photographs along the walls and a Native American style runner on the floor, to what she guessed was a guest bedroom.  Indicating she should wait, he left the room.

        Still holding the daisies, Julie took in the features of the room as she waited.  The walls were painted a light tan color which matched the carpet.  From what she had seen it appeared her friend preferred the natural color tones that suited a house in the mountains.  On the walls of the bedroom were more photographs of nature scenes.  The wide bed looked cozy and inviting with its white down comforter.  A clock sat on the nightstand beside the bed.  In the corner by a big window was a desk, bare except for a phone, some writing paper, pens and some books of John Denver songs.   Nearby, was a guitar leaning against the wall.   Julie longed to sit down, but still wet from her drenching, was afraid of ruining the furniture.

        She didn’t have long to wait as her friend soon return carrying some dry clothes that he placed on the bed.  He then went into the bathroom and pulled a big blue, fluffy towel out of the linen closet and handed it to her.  It wasn’t hard to figure out that Julie was to use the bathroom to shower and change into dry clothes.  She was touched by his thoughtfulness.   He took the daisies and the damp blanket from her and left the room, closing the door behind him.

        Julie walked into the bathroom and put the towel down on the counter.  As she did, she noticed there was a monogram on it.  Hoping to learn more about her friend, she held the towel up to get a better look and saw the initials H.J.D.  In the back of her mind, Julie thought how they were the same initials as those of her favorite singer, but she quickly brushed it away.  What were the chances that she would run into John Denver in a public place like Maroon Bells?  Still, there was something familiar about him.

        Wanting to find out more about her friend, Julie quickly showered using the soap and shampoo she found in the shower.   She dried herself off and put on the warm gray sweat suit that had a picture of the earth and said, “Love Your Mother”.   She couldn’t help thinking that it was something John would wear.  It was a little big on her but comfortable.  Her friend had also provided a pair of white socks.  Using a comb she found in the bathroom, she combed her hair and took one more look in the mirror.  She decided she looked presentable.  At least she no longer looked liked a drowned rat.

        Opening the bedroom door, she heard sounds and followed them to what was the kitchen.  She liked the use of natural wood for the cabinets and countertop and the brick tile flooring.  The main feature of the room was the breakfast bar in the center at which her friend was standing.  Above the bar, copper bowls and pots were hanging.  Her daisies were now in a crystal vase with water on the breakfast bar.  Her friend was pouring hot water into two big stoneware mugs.  He looked up and seeing her, smiled and pointed to a chair.  Julie sat down as he handed her a mug of hot chocolate.  She relished the warmth offered by the mug and smiled her thanks to him

        He sat down in a chair across from her.  “I apologize for not speaking to you all week, but I had laryngitis and my doctor advised me to rest my voice for a week,” he took sip of his drink before continuing.

        Julie’s mind was reeling.  Hearing his voice again, the pieces started to fit together.  Now she knew why he was able to play along with her on the guitar so well.  But before she could say anything, her friend continued.  “I apologize for not getting to Maroon Bells earlier.  I was working on a new song and lost track of time.  My name is John....John Denver, but I assumed you knew that.”  Seeing the bewildered look on her face, he asked, “Are you alright?”

        Julie nodded and finally was able to say, “Yes.  I just now realized who you were.  But it all fits – this wonderful house, the saying on this sweatshirt, the writing paper, the songbooks and guitar in the bedroom and of course, the monogram on the towel.”

        “You mean you really didn’t know who I was all week?” he asked incredulously.

        “No, I didn’t.  I had a feeling of familiarity but could never place it.  I thought it was just because we shared a liking for John’s, I mean, your music.  I....I......,”  she struggled to find the words to say what she wanted as John’s face broke into his famous smile and he chuckled slightly.

        Regaining her composure, she tried again.  “I mean, out of all the people I could run into, never expected it would be you.  It must be the beard that threw me off.  I’ve seen pictures of you, of course, but never with a beard, but I like it.  My name is Julie,” she told him smiling.  “John, I want to thank you for spending the time with me this past week.  Before I came out here to Colorado, I was feeling like my life was being undone.  I didn’t know who I was or where I was going.  But sharing the tranquility with you has helped me put things into perspective.  Now I can face life with all I’ve got to give it. “

        “That’s quite a compliment.  I’ve enjoyed the time too.  It helped me to keep centered until my voice returned,” John told her.

        “You know, it has always been a lifelong dream of mine to play duets with you and here I was all week doing just that and didn’t know it,” Julie said with a grin.

        With a grin of his own, John replied, “You beautifully articulate your feelings as you play.  That's what attracted my attention to you the first day.   Are you here on vacation?  When do you leave“

        “Sort of, I came to find myself, which I did with your help.  I have to leave in the morning.  I hate to leave,” she told him.
Seeing the hurt in her eyes, John sensed there was more to it but decided not to push.  Instead he looked at her and said, “You are always welcomed to come back.  In the meantime, we have some time and I have something I would like to share with you.”  With that he got up and led the way out of the kitchen.  Stopping by the front door to pick up her guitar, they made their way to the living room.  It was a cozy room with a fireplace in which a small fire burned.  Two navy blue sofas and a glass table were artfully arranged in front of it.   John placed the guitar down in front of one of the sofas and gestured for her to have a seat.  He walked over to a desk that looked out a window with a view of the mountains and picked up some papers.  On the way back to join her, he collected his guitar.

        Sitting down next to her, John said, “This is the new song I was working on.  Would you like to play it with me?”

        Julie was surprised, but replied, “Yes, I would love to.”

        “This is a song I wrote to support one of my many worthwhile causes.  Have you heard about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone?”

        Nodding, Julie said, “It’s sad that the American Farm Bureau is trying to stop it.  I hope the wolves win.”

        “So do I.  This song is called Yellowstone, Coming Home*.  Take a look and see what you think,” John said handing her the papers.

        Julie took her time, carefully studying each note.  She hummed a few bars to herself.  Laying the sheet music on the table in front of her, she picked up her guitar and started playing.  Soon, John joined in.  When they reached the last verse he started to sing.

        Entranced, Julie listened.  The music itself was beautifully written, but John’s voice added to it made the song even more magical.

        When the song was over, Julie exclaimed, “Oh, John.....that was beyond beautiful!  I love it!  Thank you for sharing that with me.  This is a moment I’ll never forget.”

        The evening wore on as they continued playing duets, with John occasionally singing to exercise his voice.  Ever so often, Julie would join her voice with his.  She felt a deep sense of peace and was thinking about her family and the pending divorce when John started playing Falling Out Of Love*.

        She tried to keep up with him but the words to the song were hitting home.  Julie felt the tears well up in her eyes.  She tried everything to hold them back.  Before John was half way through the song, the tears won.  She could contain them no longer.  They spilled over, silently sliding down her cheeks.

        John had been watching her as he sang.  He sensed that she was struggling with her emotions.  Not wanting to intrude on her private moments, he kept singing, until he saw the tears.  Slowly John stopped singing and put down his guitar.  He put Julie’s guitar aside.  Without saying a word, John wrapped his arms around her.  He held her gently as she continued to cry.  Feeling safe in his arms, Julie let all the pain, fear and hurt she had bottled up inside the past year flow out.

        In time the last tears fell, the sobs quieted but John continued to hold her.  He allowed her the time to get her emotions back in control.  Julie slowly straighten up as she wiped her damp face with the back of her hands.  John reached into his pocket and offered her his handkerchief.  She accepted with an embarrassed look on her face.

        “I’m sorry, John,” she began to say, but John held up his hand to stop her.

        “No need to be sorry.  I sensed earlier some of the pain you just let out.  Perhaps that song was the catalyst you needed.  You don't have to tell me anything, but if you want to talk about it, I'll listen,” he offered.

        Julie looked at him.  Feeling and seeing all the love in his eyes, she nodded.  “I’m about to go through a divorce.  My husband and I have been together off and on the past 20 years.  I’ve never regretted my relationship with him.  We got 3 fine boys to show for it.  We have been separated the last five years.  He recently sent me money to get a divorce.  I love my husband dearly.   I know this is the best for us, but it is so hard to let go.  It’s just like it says in the song, I feel like I’m losing my best friend.  My life has been in turmoil the last year as I tried to do the best for my children.  Being here this past week has really helped.  I'm ready to face whatever life may bring me with a positive outlook.  I'm not sure how or why, but I feel you are part of the reason.”

        "If I was able to help in anyway, I'm glad I could," John told her.  "I know divorce is not easy, especially when you still love the other person from the bottom of your heart.  But sometimes true love is knowing when to let go; knowing when it is better to live apart in order to live together.  Does that make sense?"

        "Oh, John - yes!  It makes perfect sense.  And you are right, it did help to talk about it," Julie replied.

        "Anytime, Julie.  I meant what I said earlier about coming back.  Please feel free to come any time or to call me at the office.  I'll give you my private number before you leave.  My staff will be advised to put your calls through immediately or to ensure that your messages are passed along if I'm not there.  The time we've spent together meant a lot to me as well.  It kept me occupied."

        Julie nodded her consent, then asked, "John, would you play Sunshine On My Shoulders* for me?  That is my all-time favorite song.  It always bring happy memories to mind."

        With that, John picked up his guitar and began to play.  Julie didn't join him.  She preferred to let the music and memories wash over her.  She was very grateful that she had decided to come to Colorado.  As she sat listening to John, she knew she would always treasure the past week and the time she had spent with him.

        When he was finished, John noticed that it was close to 7:00.  He offered to fix them something to eat which Julie accepted.  He suggested some hot dogs that they could roast over the fire in the fireplace.  Julie loved the idea.  She followed him back to the kitchen to lend a hand with the preparations.  With her help, they soon had a couple of trays laid with drinks and food.  They carried the trays back to the living room and sat down in front of the fire.  John put a couple of hot dogs on the long roasting fork he had brought from the kitchen pantry.  He handed the fork to Julie, then prepared one for himself.

        They continued to talk and share childhood stories as they roasted and ate the hot dogs.  After polishing off the hot dogs, they roasted marshmallows.  They giggled over the gooey mess like young children.  Playfully trying to dab some on each others noses.

        Julie licked the marshmallow from her fingers and said, “That was delicious.  I haven’t had that much fun in a long time.”

        “I haven’t either,” replied John with a laugh.

        John gathered up their dishes.  Julie offered to help wash them.  They made their way to the kitchen.  Soon Julie was up to her elbows in soapsuds.  She was still in a playful mood.  Catching John off guard, she blew soapsuds at him.  He chased her around the breakfast bar snapping at her with the towel that he had been using to dry the dishes.  Julie finally surrendered.  They went back to work.  The remaining dishes were quickly washed, dried and put away.

        Comfortable once again on the sofas, John said, “It’s getting late.  Why don’t you spend the night here in the guest bedroom and I’ll take you back to your car first thing in the morning?”

        Stretching out on the sofa, Julie wasn’t ready to leave the peaceful company of John.  She quickly agreed to the idea.

        They talked for a while about the wolves.  Then John picked up his guitar and began to play again.  Julie listened and let the music float around her.  She felt comfortable, safe and loved.  Not a romantic kind of love, but the kind of love felt between two friends that have known each other for a long time.

        The emotions she had been through that day had left Julie feeling drained.  Soon, the softness of John’s music lulled her to sleep.  John continued to play a little longer.   When he was sure she was sleeping, he put down his guitar.  He lifted Julie carefully into his arms and carried her to the guest bedroom.  He gently laid her on top of the comforter.  He went into the bathroom and got an extra blanket from the linen closest.  Carefully, he covered her with the blanket.  Then quietly he left the room, closing the door behind him.

        Julie awoke with a start.  For a few seconds she forgot where she was but with a quick glance around the room, she remembered.  The alarm clock on the nightstand told her it 7 in the morning.  She felt very relaxed and rested after the good night’s sleep.  She got up and went into the bathroom.  There she found her clothes from the day before neatly folded on the counter.  John must have picked them up when he put her to bed she thought.   How sweet of him to take the time to dry her clothes.  Quickly she changed and combed her hair.

        Leaving the bedroom, she found John in the kitchen making eggs, bacon and toast.  On the bar, were two tall glasses of orange juice.  She took a seat and said, “Good morning, John.”

        “Good morning!  I hope you slept well?” he asked.

        “Very much so.  Thank you again for letting me stay,” she said.

        “It was my pleasure.  Now, how about some breakfast before we head out?”

        Julie nodded.  John piled eggs onto their plates along with the bacon and toast.  They rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher this time.  But Julie couldn’t help grinning at the image of them washing dishes the night before and told John as much.  He laughed with her.

        Before they left the house, John handed Julie a copy of the sheet music for Yellowstone, Coming Home*.  He told her it was something to remember the time they spent together.  Knowing no words were needed, Julie just smiled her thanks.  He also gave her a paper on which was written his private office telephone number.

        The walk back to her car was made in quiet.  They shared the peacefulness of the mountains and the beauty of the new day beginning.  Upon reaching her car, John helped her put her things in the trunk.  They gave each other a parting hug.  Then as he had before, John waved, turned and walked back into the mountains.

        Julie got into her car and drove back to her hotel with a happy smile on her face.  She knew she was ready to return home to her boys and start their new life together.  She told herself that the first thing she would do upon arriving home would be to call her attorney.  She was ready to move on with the divorce.  Knowing she would always love her husband, but knowing that it was time to let go.

        In the years that followed, Julie got her life back on track.  She often made trips to visit John in Colorado.  Sometimes she would take her boys and other times went alone.  Each trip was special and always reminded her of that special week she got to spend with the man they called John.
 
 

Leaving On A Jet Plane words and music by John Denver
Sunshine On My Shoulders words and music by John Denver, Dick
Kniss and Mike Taylor
Yellowstone, Coming Home words and music by John Denver
Falling Out Of Love words and music by John Denver

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