Over the past few months, when I have discussed my cancer treatment with friends and family, a few have pushed back to ask why I chose to go the chemo route, especially when I had been so against it at the very beginning.
I finally have a good way to answer that. What follows in this posting are two versions of a song called The Water is Wide. There is a James Taylor version and a Karla Bonoff version.
I suggest you listen to them both:
WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE? (I would really like to know)
Hard to pick one, right? Well, some may say, “I really don’t like the song at all.” Or, “it’s easier to understand the lyrics the way James Taylor sings it, but Karla Bonoff’s version is more emotional for the listener.” Seems a little bit like all the answers are right.
It’s kind of like the chemo, too. Every patient is different. I don’t like the chemo, but it seems to be helping right now. Whenever I go to the infusion center, I never see the same person twice. Everyone is unique and getting their chemo that matches their exact, specific needs. Some are there for hours, some for just a few minutes. Some bury themselves under blankets; others wander around the center. Some will talk their heads off; others are quiet. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone with a sad face, and that is a very real reason I keep going back.
I would just as soon not have any chemo at all but the tumors are shrinking or stable. So, for now, whenever we’re coming into the house late at night after being out, someone needs to be able to glow in the dark and shine a light on the key that gets us in the house. And, I guess that’s me for the time being.
Now, if you want to just plain get up and dance, there just ain’t nothing like the song below to help you do that!!! Isn’t music just about the best thing there can be?
June 22, 2013 at 7:56 PM
As much as I like pedal steel guitar in a bridge, I think I like the viola more with this song. So my favorite – this time – is James Taylor. So keep letting your light shine here, pal – don’t hide it under a bushel!
June 22, 2013 at 9:30 PM
Good call, my friend. I hover in the middle. I really like the emotion of the Bonoff version, but the clarity of the Taylor version. Thanks for weighing in, Dave. Have a good rest of your weekend.
June 22, 2013 at 11:20 PM
Great response as to,”why?”, Doo! Thanks for reminding me of one favorite old song sung by two favorite artists. James is clearest, Karla draws ya right in. Can’t pick one. I’ll take both, please !!
June 25, 2013 at 10:07 PM
I like James Taylor’s voice so much that for me there is really no doubt .
music is soul soup.
September 27, 2013 at 10:47 AM
It’s all still Led Zeppelin to me.