Forever in Blue Jeans

Several years ago Gail and I were new employees at a major brokerage firm. As the new kids on the block and both having “funny” names, we became fast friends. On the surface, it would appear that it were the only things we had in common.

I was a single mom of two, one just an infant. Scared to death and forced into survival mode, there wasn’t time to cope with depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and abandonment. Yes! I was a total wreck. Looking back I recognize friends, heavenly angels unaware sent by God, helped me through. Some things in life seem too devastating to get over, but by God’s grace you can make it through. One poor choice can impact the rest of your life. Like most of us, I have made many. It is difficult to fly with broken wings. Encouraging friends can help you regain your strength, make better choices and take flight.

Gail was a newly wed with the world her oyster. Or so it would seem. She confided in me she had met, fell in love with and married someone she thought was a middle class serviceman. He simply said his family owned a rubber business back east. On her first visit to the in-laws home she found the family business was actually an empire. The expected middle class home turned out to be an estate. In her shock she fixated on the huge mail box at the gate. Many questions were spinning through her head, “What else do I not know about this person I married?” “Why did he not trust me?” “Can I trust him?” Her mind kept wondering back to mail box. “Who needs a mail box of this size?” Even in the midst of storms, God seems to throw in a lifeline of humor.

The young groom wanted assurance his bride was in love with him and not his wealth. Of course, many of us might say we would love to have this kind of surprise. As Gail and I discussed many times, every port of refuge has its price. Relationships are based on mutual trust and respect. Once that bond has been broken it can be difficult if not impossible to restore.

While it offered little consolation for his behavior, Gail soon learned why her husband was so cautious. “People I have known forever treat me differently now. I am the same person. I don’t understand. Either people expect me to snub them or people that didn’t care for me before suddenly do.” As is marriage there were other issues to be conquered, but genuine love and commitment won out.





Gail gave birth to two beautiful children and became a stay at home mom. I, again with the Grace of God, continued in the brokerage business for over 25 years. I was blessed to pass the General Securities Representative Stockbroker, National Commodities and Futures and state licensing exams. These were obtained by self study. I did not have the usual in dept training needed, but it did allow me to receive commissions and bonuses. I did wear out co-workers with many questions. I am so grateful for the favor of God’s provision through those years. Neurological and other issues prevent my continuing in this field. God is blessing me in different ways now. I appreciate my life today even more. Any and all things are by the Grace of God and His favor; nothing on our own.






Baby's treat from my Baby! He knows me well!

  

As Gail and I commuted to work one day, Neil Diamond’s song “Forever in Blue Jeans” came on the radio. “I will always think of you when I hear this song, Linda.” I hadn’t thought about or heard this song in years until this week. After all of these years it brings a smile to my face.

Forever In Blue Jeans Lyrics by Neil Diamond (in part)

Money talks

But it don't sing and dance

And it don't walk

And long as I can have you

Here with me, I'd much rather be

Forever in blue jeans

Honey's sweet

But it ain't nothin' next to baby's treat

And if you pardon me

I'd like to say

We'll do okay

Forever in blue jeans

And if you pardon me

I'd like to say

We'll do okay

Forever in blue jeans, babe

And long as I can have you

Here with me I'd much rather be

Forever in blue jeans, babe

The Bible talks of “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of any enemy are deceitful.”(Proverbs 27:6) A friend is always honest and faithful. A friend is one that when you are struggling with clinical depression, will look you in the eye, shake you by the shoulders and remind you, “The day you were born was a great day.” The same friend will tell you to get over yourself when you get too big for your britches! I’ll have to admit I did not make things easy for them. I have a life long habit to break of hiding out when I am wounded; even from those very few individuals who really know me.

In an effort to keep my children from feeling badly about my not having birthday gifts for myself, I led them to believe it wasn’t a big deal. There was seldom enough money for such frivolity. I genuinely loved the paper clip and contact paper necklace made by my son. He insisted I wear it to work everyday, to look “priddy mommy.” I did so proudly. I still have my daughter’s gift; her tiny hands on construction paper signed with backward letters. Those gifts will always be treasured by this mother’s heart. There are truly some things that money cannot buy.

However, now that you kids are on your own and successful, I can now confess. It is my birthday! It is a very big deal to me. It is a great day! It is okay to ante up and let’s celebrate!

For it was not an enemy that reproached me;then I could have borne it:
neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me
then I would have hid myself from him:  but it was thou, a man mine equal,
my guide, and mine acquaintance. 
we took sweet counsel together,
and walked unto the house of God in company.
Psalm 55: 12, 13, 14