Grateful

Sunday morning, and I’m feeling mighty grateful. I played a very enjoyable two-hour gig last night with some terrific musicians and met some genuinely kind people and new fans. At times, I can’t believe I’m able to focus all of my professional attention on music at this point in my life, something I’ve always dreamed of doing. I’m also reflecting on what has been an incredibly enjoyable fall where Carol and I have been able to hit the mountains at the peak of Aspen color a couple of times, learn how to make Chile Rellenos at the Santa Fe Cooking School, join some longtime friends we hadn’t seen in several years in Sonoma/Napa for a great week, and spend many hours hiking, enjoying friends over dinner and drinks, and feeling settled in our new Colorado home. One of the memories filling my heart this morning occurred in September when my sweet daughter invited me to join her at Wolf Trap to see James Taylor and hang out for a few days at her place in DC. And my mother, who has been on hospice for a couple of years, continues to ‘hang in there’ with little pain and her full mental faculties. My health is good as I remain in remission, entering my eighth year, and I’ve finally been cleared by my MD Anderson docs to return to playing live music.

I realize, however, many have had a tough time this fall. I’ve had friends who have passed, and I know others who are close to me who are not well, or who have suffered financial setbacks, or who have faced severe challenges with relationships. We’re all living in difficult times, of course, as the world seems to have gone crazy of late. I don’t want to be insensitive or naïve about these harsh realities. However, at the same time, I want to recognize and celebrate the good that has filled my life this last part of 2023. I have been fortunate, I’m blessed, and I’m deeply grateful.