Today, as I look back on my John Denver memories...I realize...they are more than memories...they are what have shaped me into the person I have become Today.
I would say my first introduction/memory to John was around the age of 7 or 8, (1969-70). I had an Uncle, (name was Mick), who played the guitar and sang. My first image/memory is of him sitting around the cabin campfire, playing his guitar and singing John Denver songs...(I can still picture him and hear him). Oh my, how those songs resonated with me...to have this feeling/connection at such a young age...was hard to process, especially when my friends didn't have the same connection. I couldn't understand why they weren't as excited as I was about these beautiful songs.
My Uncle passed away, (far, far too young), at the age of 33, in the early 70's, but left this beautiful gift/appreciation of John Denver's music/songs to me....that has just shaped me over time into who I have become. My love & appreciation for our Earth, nature, wildlife, music, Art, Photography is everything to me. I am a Photographer & Wildlife Artist and I look for the beauty in everything I see.
My summers were spent up in the Colorado Mountains at the Family Cabin...the best of the best memories...can't even come close to describing them. Over the years...went to Many, many concerts, events of John's...and even had the pleasure of meeting him in 1994 after waiting in sub-zero conditions for well over an hour after his concert......(but I have the photo and memory that will last always!) I can still feel his hand squeezing my left arm/shoulder....so strong yet gentle. Gives me comfort/peace just thinking about it.
Met/married my husband Brian at the age of 33, (1996), to the beautiful songs of John..."Today" and "For You", in a little chapel surrounded by loved ones.
A part of me died inside when John passed and it literally took me years to be able to get through a song of his without tearing up. I still get a lump and misty-eyed at times...and...on a really bad day...may have a full-out "break down"...but I get back up, give my son "Johnathan" a hug and know that his appreciation for John's music is being carried on in his generation and hopefully the next.....
I smile and know that "Today" and every day is made better because of John and the beauty he left us all.
Thank You John, you are very much Alive and living on in my home and Life "Today"!!!
I Love You
I Miss You
Lynda