It always starts the same. A new morning in the studio...
A lovely list of things to do. Looming deadlines, and exciting things goin' on here and there. An untidy house, and chomping at the bit for some musical note news...
The light of twinkling stars bounces off the walls, as coffee brews...
Everyone gets dressed, or stays in their little house on the prairie nightgown... Noone minds, and the owls are sleeping, so they won't notice... The only rule left to follow is, wear the costume of your hearts greatest desire...
On this very day, I found my morning rituals of making sure things were semi-tidy, and the birds were where they were supposed to be, very difficult. I was giddy. I was excited, I was overwhelmed.
We had been in search of new piano keys to reside in our country home. The girl just can't live without a piano. It isn't possible (just don't tell the upright bass(es), the guitars or the mandolins). Not one more breath can be taken without a large playable creature in the country. She missed her pianola like crazy. But La Pianola, was not intended for the country house. She was a city girl - and resided at the little city house...
The evening before this giddy day, Mister Lovee knocked on the door to my very private boudoir. He slowly entered, his hands behind his back.
She heard a faint tune. So beautiful and haunting...
She sat up in bed, as Mister Lovee's face glowed with joy. She said "I am already overjoyed, please show me..." A gift. A tiny wooden Grand Piano made in Spain. The same shape as the piano they hoped to own in the coming days...
She couldn't help it. She felt her emotions overflow. They poured out. She cried and cried. She cried some more. Could he really be so totally lovely she thought, as she gasped for breath. She looked his way, as he took out his handkerchief, and blew his nose, for he was brought to tears as well...
To be loved. All anyone ever wants. To love and for the love to be reciprocated.
And, it was... Her heart runneth over...
You see, she liked older things. Mister Lovee included. So, he went to see a man about an old grand piano. And they fell in love with it. And maybe, just maybe, this piano had the character and spirit that the girl longed for...
Mister Lovee and the girl, were so very alike. It just blew her mind. She felt thankful, and lucky, and at times, even a sense of disbelief. That she had such goodness in the form of a Mister Lovee, in her life...
For 8 and a half years, they laughed, cried and got annoyed at all the same things. Two peas in a pod.
So, like I said, on this very day, when she was giddy, and had a laundry list of things to do, but couldn't wait for news on the piano - she spent her time talking to a piano rebuilder, then her piano tuner, and learning about a humidity controlling piano device all morning...
And while she took a break for brunch, she read a few blogs. And her day started to unravel in a different direction. Even this blog post changed...
On this day, she went to see how Stephanie Nielson was doing. She checked up on Stephanie, and her family and Carol Decker, quite often... She thought about those two families, everyday it seemed...
The truth is - she wanted to say something ages ago about her feelings and prayers for those families. She just didn't know how to. But today, after checking up on these amazing people, she had to burst out of the house... She ran and skipped and took off barefoot...
Maybe today was the day?
She wondered if Mister Lovee would mind her telling you a tiny bit of their story...
About loving someone, to the core. About how love saves you. About, being there, even when all the petals have fallen...
She couldn't quite remember how long ago it was? Was it three years? 2 years? 4 years? She didn't like to think about it...
But, a few years ago - Mister Lovee was driving down the highway, when a tiny little 90 year old lady pulled off the side of the road (the shoulder) where she had been parked, onto the highway, right in front of Mister Lovee's car. He never imagined, that the car he saw parked on the shoulder of the highway, would turn to face the traffic and drive directly through the highway, in a T shape.
In a split second, his car spun, and twirled and twisted, and turned into a bent piece of metal.
All this, as Mister Lovee's bones shattered...
He was on his way to Denver for business. Bags packed. He had his head set on, and was talking to the girl (me) - who heard the entire accident.
She still had nightmares about it. And her brain blocked a lot of the sounds that caused her to faint that day. While a friend picked the phone up off the floor. She felt like she was in a tunnel. She heard Mister Lovee screaming, screaming, sreaming... And her body felt limp and weak...
Soon recovered, she was in her car, racing to the site of the accident.
It was bad.
The police let her collect all of Mister Lovee's items from the car as an ambulance drove away with him in it...
She raced to the hospital. Shaking. Nervous. Sick. Crying.
Alone.
She couldn't call the only person she knew to turn to. Him...
She had to be strong.
He was in terrible shape, covered in that terrible air bag powder. Desperate for water that he couldn't have...
His pelvis was shattered and they couldn't operate. All they could do was put him to sleep, and try to set his leg bones back into place and hope they stayed still... Little pelvis shards, floated around...
He would have no hip socket. His leg would have to be held in by ligaments and muscles (hopefully). The hospital stay had just begun...
The first time they tried to get him to walk, it seemed like an impossible task. She helped him down a long white hallway, and at the end, a picture window held a fuchsia Arizona sunset.
Less than half way there, his shoulders dropped. He looked down. He broke down. His arms shaking as they held his body weight up, on a walker.
She felt emotions she didn't know she had. She kissed his cheek.
"You can do it Lovee, I know you can..."
This went on as weeks past.
Finally he was able to leave the hospital. A walker, crutches, and her, would be his support group...
She alone, had prepared the country house. A special chair, a special toilet seat (she was proud of that installation). A special this and that. He was in a body brace. It was a very delicate and precarious situation.
He needed a new wardrobe to fit the body brace...
She was alone, and had never cared for anyone in her life.
She was so scared.
But time, time is alway a good friend.
She was by his side without nary a move for 3 and a half months.
Noone came to see them... And she always told everyone that everything was just fine...
Somedays seemed tragically overwhelming. Other days, were a gift from the heavens.
She went out to the sanctuary. She cried on her knees. She begged for a taste of their lives as they used to be...
"Just one day. Please God, just one day..."
More and more time past. Luckily he was strong and healthy, and determined.
They cried often. He felt, the man he once knew was lost to him. She consoled. She held on to him...
It was a terrible blow to him. That was true...
But they became closer than ever.
He changed.
She changed.
Time healed.
And today, as tears stream down, from all those memories and moments, too deep, too delicate, too intense to be able to fully remember... She feels, feels for the Nielson's and the Decker's. Whose situations are even greater and more intense than what Mister Lovee faced. And she sheds a deep seeded tear for Stephanie and Carol, and for their families.
She escaped the house when the emotions visited today, and returned to that safe little place in the garden...
The sanctuary...
All you have in the face of tragedy is love from those around you, prayer, hope, and time...
So you see. This little blog post, took a funny turn. Maybe now you see litle bits of, how and why I embrace life as I do. The silly moments, the fun moments, the ridiculous moments. I know how sacred they are, how special they are...
I know, that spending time being negative or sad or worried or stressed and angry, is not a place I want to be. How can I? I longed for today, this day, so ardently when Mister Lovee was injured, and I remember that everyday. It catapults me into seizing the day... Even if all that means is reading in the sunshine, and taking it easy...
I am outrageously thankful, that Mister Lovee is, besides being broken inside, pretty much, back to normal. Our life is normal again. You would never guess by looking at him, that any such thing had occurred...
Is our life how it used to be? Funny - I don't remember. All I know is that where we are now is lovely, and it is our normal. And we embrace each other and every minute of life...
I hope and pray, that in time, Stephanie and Carol, may feel the same. That they will find a new normal, where peace and joy embraces them...
I can't imagine how they feel. As I wasn't the one injured in our case. Not physically. But I understand a little bit, of what it's like, to be skipping along, and have a heavy log thrown in your road...
And what it's like, to go around it, and find a new path...
Many ♥♥♥♥'s, V
Title taken from these lyrics...






Thank you for this inspirational story. The power of love and creativity will carry you both forward!
Posted by: Patricia | January 31, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Life, and love, is precious. Thank you for sharing. My you and your Mr. Lovee be blessed.
Posted by: Andrea | January 31, 2009 at 10:41 AM
What a story indeed...as I am crying here, I am so grateful that you shared this with us. It puts life in perspective and I needed that today. I am so happy that you both have your 'normal' now and I pray for your friends. You are truly delightful and I wait in anticipation every day for a new post on your blog!
~amybella
Posted by: Amy Long | January 31, 2009 at 10:56 AM
*Hugs* to you and your Mr Lovee! What a terrible day and what a task you both had before you. So happy that this tale has a happy ending, hope the others do as well. Be blessed!~
Posted by: Heather | January 31, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Invariably, when I visit here, I am gently reminded of a truth. I held my breath as your soft words, holding unbelievable pain, breathed out your story, which has given you unspeakable understanding for other people's pain. The comfort that brings is a part of redeeming the horror of what happened - and it is a miracle. Thank you for this.
Posted by: Rebekah | January 31, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Everything happens for a reason....
I cannot fathom why something horrible happens to someone, but there was a reason and that reason was to bring the overwhelming power of love to your lives. You are so very brave and strong and you were exactly what Mr Lovee needed when he needed it most. And the fact that you didn't know that yourself makes the truth even more powerful. You found your strength and your power and your deepest love through this experience. You are forever melded, body, heart, mind and soul.
He is such a dear romantic and that is so lacking in this world. What a thing to cherish.
Thank you, dear one, for reminding me that life is what you make it, that you just never know, and to cherish. every. moment.
I always say that the doors of opportunity are opening around us all the time, but we have to have the vision to see what is beyond and the courage to walk on through. I know that this whole experience doesn't sound like an opportunity in the traditional sense, but you had a choice. And you stayed. And you supported. And you loved. And that has made all the difference.
Thank you for everything you do to make this world a better place, not only in Mr Lovee's world but all of ours.
Enjoy the day!
xox
E
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | January 31, 2009 at 01:53 PM
your hearts are joined-as one....i hope to one day meet up with you two....we may eat lilac fairy cakes and sip champagne ..and laugh and cry together...yes thats what we shall all do....
Posted by: oldflowers4me | January 31, 2009 at 06:38 PM
That was--lovely. It brought tears in my eyes. Thanks again for remind me how deep love is.
-Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | January 31, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Vanessa
What a wonderful woman Mr.Lovee has in you...that you nursed him and love the heck out of him and that you are to be counted on when the chips are down...
Your soul is beleza!!!!!!!!
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | January 31, 2009 at 07:54 PM
I am so moved.
thank you.
Posted by: 3rdEyeMuse | January 31, 2009 at 08:52 PM
HIya Vanessa,
Ya know I went through a similar incident, when my hubby was in a near fatal accident with a drunk driver.I couldn't breathe,especially when the Police Officer told me he was lucky to have survived. All I could think of was "I've been married to him since I was 16.What would I do without my heart?"
God has a way of hearing our prayers, and giving us many oportunities to share our stories. So others can glean some wisdom of living in the moment.
I appreciate ya sharing ya story of Mr.Lovee & you. I will be praying for Stephanie & Carol. That God continue to heal them and give them strength. As well as for ya and Mr.Lovee.
Ya are a bleesing and I'm happy to have found ya blog many months ago. I adore ya whimsical Point of view on life.
Love & Hugs~
Posted by: Poetic Dreams | January 31, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Bless you sweet one.....may angels walk with you in the sunshine.
Posted by: Kathy | January 31, 2009 at 10:34 PM
It is funny how one thing can lead to something totally different and unintended!
Posted by: jenn desjardins | February 01, 2009 at 05:37 AM
thank you
Posted by: Chris | February 01, 2009 at 09:57 AM
You are so right...a new normal....time heals and changes and shows us a new way.
thank you for sharing your story and shining light on Stephanie and Carol.
x..x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | February 01, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Vanessa, how wonderful that you took such good care of Mr. Lovee, and helped him to heal. You both take such good care of each other and that is a wonderful thing! Thanks for sharing that story! I'm so glad that Mr. Lovee got through his ordeal, and is well again!!
I think you are a great lady and he certainly sounds like a great man! Faith, Hope and Time will cure all!
Posted by: Tricia | February 01, 2009 at 02:15 PM
So sad, and yet so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
It just goes to show, that as we read each others blogs, we only know what the blogger wants us to know. We all have a story to tell, we just need to find the strength to tell it.
You have always helped me see the lighter side of life, but now I know how you manage to find it, share it and live it.
A million thank you's to you, and a million wishes of health and happiness to both you and Mr Lovee.
Posted by: Jenni | February 01, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Oh, and i too am following NieNie's blog to check on her progress. She has a wonderful family too! Her children are so sweet and beautiful!
Posted by: Tricia | February 01, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Miss Vanessa,
I am so thankful Mr. Lovee is alright, and that you are able to encourage others through your story. My husband was hit by a car on his bike years ago, and although he wasn't hurt as badly as Mr. Lovee, I can relate to what you went through.
Take care my dear,
Martha
Posted by: Martha | February 01, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Gorgeous girl......I so feel for you .....and admire you even more!
Kiss Noises
Linda
Posted by: Linda Lilly Cottage | February 02, 2009 at 04:45 AM
I read this the other day and couldn't think of a suitable comment to leave. I too have had bad things happen in my life and flashbacks are horrible. The only thing to do when you get them is to busy yourself with something and that takes the thoughts away.
Much Love
Di
xo
Posted by: Di Overton | February 02, 2009 at 08:32 AM
What a beautiful story, and I'm glad that out of a terrible situation came a stronger relationship.
Posted by: Laura | February 02, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Vanessa, I thought about the Nie Nie's and how that tragedy changed their world forever. Your story is wonderful, I love your writing and I am so glad that Mr. Lovee is as good as new. When adversity happens time stands still and the only thing that we can only hold onto is hope.
Yet, I think sometimes that it is that kind of adversity that makes us become awakened and enables us to count our blessings for the rest of our life.
Reading your story makes me understand better why for such a young women you embrace and exude so much wisdom in all that you say and do.
Karen
Posted by: karen cox | February 03, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us :)
Posted by: Johanna | February 03, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Such an amazing post. It's helped me -- I'm going through things right now that just... well, this helped me. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Lori Anderson | February 03, 2009 at 04:35 PM
What a beautiful story... I think more so is the fact that your love endured...
There are many people who long to know that kind of love in their lifetime... me included...
I pray each day that my time will come... where I can find the right person .... to love and be loved back... truly a blessing
HUGS
JO
Posted by: JO | February 04, 2009 at 08:22 PM
oh vanessa, what a story... how lucky you and mister loveee are to have each other, and what perspective this kind of thing brings. you never know what will happen so you are more than right to enjoy every little silly moment.. and love love love.
Posted by: vanessa marie | February 05, 2009 at 03:19 PM
I am so moved by this post. You never truly know what other people's lives are like.
Posted by: Maria-Thérèse Andersson | February 06, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Thank you for sharing that perspective of your life. We all seem to share moments in life that we look back and are amazed how we make it through and who gave us the strength...and it always comes back to love.
Posted by: waterrose | February 07, 2009 at 05:18 PM
I have come and gone three times - twice to read the stories of the other families, and back again now...to send you thanks and hugs for sharing your story.
I have been so worried about my own little story - that my own lovely, loving guy needs hip surgery (he's on a waiting list for a replacement), and though to many, it's not that big a deal, I'm a worrier... he's so tall and I'm so short, I think when I'm worrying...how I will take care of him afterwards, yada, ya-da, Ya-da-a...you get the idea...
But by sharing your story with your bigger challenge - and connecting your readers to the stories of these other families (facing even bigger challenges, yet - who are rising to meet and overcome those challenges, everyday - bless them all!) -- you've given me courage and that most important, that brightest, shiniest thing of all - Hope. Just by sharing your and Mr. Lovee's stories. Everyone's stories are important - bless you for sharing your own, Miss Vanessa! Besitos, Bisous, M-m-Wah xOx
Posted by: tinker | February 07, 2009 at 07:05 PM
What a beautiful dress Quite lovely!!!
Posted by: Art | February 15, 2009 at 07:23 AM