My husband and I had a favorite song...an oldie even when we were dating...called "Tears on My Pillow" by Little Anthony and the Imperials. I just heard it on the radio (Oldies just keep getting "oldier") and the lyrics took on a whole new meaning...... "You don't remember me, but I remember you. It's not so long ago you broke my heart in two. Tears on my pillow, deep in the night over you...... If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate. I'd take you in my arms, and leave the rest to Fate...."
That's not the whole song and a lyric here or there might be different, but it was such a poignant moment that I wanted to share it with those who would understand. Feeling nostalgic (which is a whole lot better than feeling sorry for myself and devastated for my beloved.) I can even manage a smile as I remember slow dancing to that song so many years ago.
You don't remember me, but I remember you it was not so long ago, you broke my heart in two Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart Caused by you, you
[Chorus] If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate I'd gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fate Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you
Love is not a gadget, love is not a toy When you find the one you love she'll fill your heart with joy
"Slow Boat to China" Whenever I hear it, I can still feel his warm breath by my ear as he sang the words to me when we danced. Now there are tears in my eyes, it was only 60 years ago.
Myrtle, if Andy could understand, he'd be laughing outrageously over the fact that I got the lyrics wrong. It has long been acknowledged in our family that I suffer from Mondegreen-itis....the curse of hearing the wrong words. I kind of like my version best in this case, though. "I'd take you in my arms...and leave the rest to Fate" says it all. As tragically as this is ending, I'd do it again in order to have all the wonderful memories and adventures...and sons! that we shared. We have not had a picture-book life, but we've gotten through it together. I think that's one thing that makes it all so horrible. He is not here to support me and understand me. But...it is what it is and I'm trying to avoid all the moaning and groaning. That's why this board is so important to me...(which makes me remember that I have not made the contribution to Joan that I keep meaning to make! It will be on the top of tonight's To Do List.)
I like your version, too. I had to look up the word "Mondegreen" and loved the examples that were given. If you read "The Family Circus" comic in the Sunday paper, you'll see a lot of Mondegreens being used by the children.
Our life has not been picture-book, either, but I would do it all over again, too. We did not meet until I was 41, but if we had never met, I would not be the same person.
I'm also trying to avoid all the moaning and groaning. This experience has been slow torture for me. If I allowed myself to sink into the very real tragedy of it all, I don't think I would survive. And I certainly would not be able to make good decisions for my husband. . . . Which reminds me, since he has been in LTC, he has gained weight, so I need to get off this computer and buy some new slacks for him, one size up.
I wouldn't worry about moaning and groaning, Joy and Myrtle. If you need to vent, go ahead and vent. The only people you are going to find who "get it" are the people here. I think we "get" how much the little moments of happiness here and there mean, too. Whether it's something positive related to the spouse, or whether it's something positive related only to ourselves, most of us, I think, learn to appreciate the moments.