A Thank You To Carol

The very first time I saw Buddy Jewel on Nashville Star I knew he was going to win and he would sing songs I could relate to.  I was among the first to buy his first CD when it came out and put it in to play as soon as I got home.

Every song was great, but this one blew me away.  I knew exactly where he was coming from.  It took me back to my high school days, particularly my senior year.  Two events really fit this story, but one in particular is still a driving force in my life.

My best friend for many years, Carol and I had gone our separate ways a year or so before due differences in lifestyle choices.  I still held fond memories of our friends though and I held no animosity towards her.  It was my belief that she felt the same.

As Senior Fun Day approached, I heard that Carol and her new best friend was in charge of the sometimes funny, sometimes biting ten year predictions for the future of each senior.  Ours was a small community so most of us seniors had known each other since kindergarten and I was sure the predictions would reflect that with good taste and humor.  The planning committee also gave our gag gifts to all the seniors to help us as we went out into the world.  All in all it should have been a fun time.

The day came and the predictions were passed around for all to read as they were being announced.  Everyone was laughing, except me.  For me, the prediction was that I would be writing an advise to the lovelorn column entitled  Never Give Up.  Since it was common knowledge that I loved to write, that particularly prediction would have been humorous too had it not been for the tragic death of my boyfriend (one of the differences Carol and I experienced) the summer before in a car crash. Instead I found it insulting and insensitive.  However, it gave me the mantra I live by--never give up.  Somedays when the world keeps saying no, it's not as easy, but if I want it enough I will keep plugging along until I have it.  So to Carol, wherever she is, thank you.