[wayner]

- EPILOGUE -

Lee started this thread and then circled back with updates for us.

I piggy backed on it when going through my blindsided divorce, and there are a few nuggets that I gleaned from this thread that helped immensely.

In hindsight I realize that this wasn't just a divorce but the end of something else.

ADVICE that I read:
-Don't repeat. It took me two years of thinking to figure out what that really meant. I was cautious during that time and my eyes were wide open and on the lookout. (That was probably the best advice)

-Figure out what you brought to the table and work on that. (For me, honestly not that much other than well-intentioned behaviors that were meant to keep the peace)
Total honesty to me now means saying those things that are on your mind. If the relationship blows up because of it... some important boundary issue for you, then you dodged a bullet!

-If the pain and sadness lasts too long, there was more going on in your relationship than you realized. You might want to explore that.

THE GOOD
-I got the blues and suddenly could play the harmonica (Never had a musical bone in my body before that bottle of Jack Daniels). In the first year I played on stages from one end of the continent to the other and drank a lot of whiskey. I was never sure whether I could play when I was drunk, or when I was drunk I thought I could play.
(I don't drink much anymore but I still play.)

This first video was not very long after I accidentally picked up the instrument one night at a party. A short time later someone said that I knew how to play (not really, but, a little alcohol induced lack of judgement on my part and there I was on stage in this impromptu invitation, making it up as I went.) Playing with feeling if not talent.

The second video was past the two year mark and maybe you can can tell my emotions were in a better way. I've never practiced, only ever playing on stage.
My jacket is my harmonica case, and it travels around the world with me wherever I go from Grafton street to Bleeker street, and all the way to Nashville. I'm learning...not only the harmonica, but also about life.

I have to credit many of you here for the help, perspective and even a few meals along the way.
Thanks. In person or on-line, you each know who you are even if you don't realize the degree to which you've helped.