A Winter for Healing

I've missed you guys.  Yes, it's been a long and cold winter.  I feel bad that I haven't been up to writing or playing music in Suburban Station.  After surgery my voice was shot.  It's been a long recovery, but I'm feeling stronger and itching to play again.  Not yet, but soon.  I'm going to venture out in April.  Probably on Friday and Saturday nights in Old City, 2nd and Chestnut.  Maybe Suburban Station.  I can't wait.
The voice.  I think I did some damage to myself.  After surgery I lay unconscious for four days.  During that time of darkness, I tore out two breathing tubes from my lungs.  Not just once, but twice.  I guess I didn't like them.  Anyway, I'm sure it didn't do my throat any good.
But I'm lucky.  I'm feeling pretty normal now.
I have been very lucky during these past few weeks of healing, however.  I am fortunate to be teaching guitar to a ten-year-old boy.  He is a ray of sunshine and creativity.  He was born in this country of Mexican parents.  I have been working with him for almost a year, and his progress is remarkable.  He wrote his first song in December.  We recorded it and he gave a cd of his singing and playing to his parents for Christmas.  He is working hard on his second song, developing his own voice and style.  And this kid is ten years old.  He has also introduced me to music I wouldn't have listened to otherwise.  His favorite singer/songwriter?  Ringo Starr.  His favorite song?  Peace Dream.  Here are the lyrics. 

Last night I had a Peace dream.
You know how real dreams can be?
The world was a better place for you and me,
Can’t you see?
No need for war no more.
Better things worth fighting for.
No more hunger, no more pain.
I hope I have that dream again.
Can you imagine all of this coming true?
It’s really up to all of us to do.
Just like John Lennon said
In Amsterdam, from his bed,
One day the world will wake up to see
The reality.
Last night I had a Peace dream.
You know how real dreams can be?
The world was a better place for you and me,
Can’t you see?
(Try to imagine…)
No need for war no more.
Better things worth fighting for.
No more hunger, no more pain.
I hope that dream comes true some day.
So try imagine,
If we give peace a chance,
All the world could be
Living in harmony.
One day our dream could be reality.
Reality.
Last night I had a Peace dream.
You know how real dreams can be?
The world was a better place for you and me,
(Try to imagine…)
No need for war no more.
(Try to imagine…)
Better things worth fighting for.
No more hunger, no more pain.
We’ll make our dream come true some day.
Now you can see why I love working with his kid.  He has carried me through a difficult time with the healing power of music.
Thank you, my musical friend.  I am grateful for your healing medicine.
And now I'm feeling ready to sing again.
Spring.  A time for rebirth.