I did not intend to write a book or a song. In August of 2019, I went to a remote cabin in New Mexico and unplugged to compile all my journals and notes and stories about Randy. I intended to make a book of short stories to give to my kids for Christmas. However, only a few hours in, I knew I would write a book, but I had no idea what that meant. I did not know that I would simultaneously heal and suffer much in the telling and therefore reliving of the worst 14 months of my life. The process was cathartic. It also brought to the surface stories and feelings I was not prepared to feel six years later. If I had to do it again, I would have scheduled grief therapy as well as self-care into my days.
About two weeks into my month-long writing exile, I woke up extra early and penned the lyrics to my first song. The song is a message from Tony (my soul mate of my second life) to Randy (my soul mate of my first life) written by me. Weird, I know, but I was going back and forth in time and from Randy’s point of view to my own and back, which is why I think I was also capable of seeing Tony’s point of view. “Thank You For Loving Her So Well” was birthed. I gave my draft to Tony, the actual professional songwriter, and asked him what he thought. Even though he is not my most objective critic, I could tell he thought my words were song-worthy. He polished it and added to it and added chords and notes and music magic until we finished our first song. You can judge for yourself.
You can listen with your preferred music provider at the following links:
Free sample: https://tonybarker.hearnow.com/
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/y2y3svg7
Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/y5yjsgro
Pandora: https://tinyurl.com/y6rxcujq
Marla Kane Polk 