When I was a kid, it was all about vinyl. Every penny of my babysitting money was spent on records that I hoarded in my room and played as loudly as possible. The rhythms and words wove their way through my brain, giving me a sense of calm in knowing that life’s difficulties were not mine alone to bear. Back then, radio and records were the only way to hear your favorite songs (sorry kids, no Spotify for your binge listening pleasure). Records were purchased based on the Side “A” songs that got the radio play. Nothing can describe the sheer satisfaction I felt when I finally had my hands on a record and could play my favorite song over and over, like an itch I had been dying to scratch.
Eventually, I would flip those records over to check out side “B”. After only a few notes, and a line or two of the song, I would realize that I had stumbled upon a song that resonated with me far more than the side “A” songs I had saved up to purchase. Side “A” of my life’s song was to be a wife, mother, hard worker and good friend. During the past year, I was forced to look at my side “B”. Divorce consumed my day to day existence. Writing in my journals and associating my life with the music that helped me through was therapeutic. Soon, I realized that my experience may help others.
This blog is a journey of me writing my side “B” song.
My hope in making these experiences available online is that the words, coupled with the music, will comfort those who are divorcing. If this is you, you are not alone. For those contemplating divorce, this blog may serve as a warning glimpse of the potential pain ahead. Beyond that, I would like my side “B” to be an example of moving forward towards a better life. That, of course, remains to be seen…I’ve just put the needle on the record.
To Myself: