Music has been one of the most essential things in my life.
I walked over to the wall in my room that holds my Guitar “Charlie.” —Each wall has at least one Guitar hanging.
I looked at “Charlie” and thought back…
Being born with Spina Bifida, I had to walk the Straight and Narrow.
I didn’t use drugs simply because I didn’t know if it would give me diarrhea. You laugh, I know, but it’s true. Remember, I wore a diaper.
My doctor even told me that drugs affect the Spinal Cord and I’d best steer clear.
So, I had Music to remove me from the “Straight and Narrow.”
I learned that at an early age.
I started playing Guitar at thirteen and was good by the time I was eighteen.
But I couldn’t join a band and play bars. No. I had to have insurance.
I stayed on my parent’s insurance for as long as I could. Twenty-two. ( I think)
I would get in my car, turn up Pink Floyd, and drive. And for a moment, I could leave the “Straight and Narrow.” I got into every song I listened to.
I could set my world aside while Aerosmith sang to me about love.
Pink Floyd sang about an Old Friend that they missed.
I can’t even talk about Guns and Roses on here…
I got into it all and, as I said, leave my life, if only for a moment.
But, I must say, Spina Bifida may have saved my life by forcing me to walk the Straight and Narrow.
I’ve always had insurance.
But Music made my life livable. It took me away.
I haven’t played since a friend came over a year or two ago, and we played some Johnny Cash.
And I have played a few times here and there. I’ve even shared me playing on my Personal Facebook Page.
But, for the most part, I no longer play.
It’s because the Guitar no longer feels “Natural” against my stomach now that I have two Ostomy Bags hanging off my belly.
So…, I put all my Guitars away. Forever—so I thought.
“Charlie” is an Ovation—a very nice guitar.
One of David Gilmour’s favorite Acoustic Guitars is an Ovation.
David Gilmour is the lead Guitarist for “Pink Floyd.”
“Comfortably Numb” was written with an Ovation Acoustic.
So, “Charlie” is a great Guitar.
I stood and thought. I stared at him…rubbed my belly…and took “Charlie” off the wall.
