You and Me Against the World

You and me against the world 

Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world

When all the others turn their backs and walked away

You can count on me to stay

I gaze lovingly at our wedding day collage.  I see your face and this song, this message plays in my head.

Remember when the circus came to town

And you were frightened by the clown

Wasn’t it nice to be around someone that you knew

Someone who was big and strong and looking out for...

Our wedding day.  Your lips kiss my cheek and butterfly eyelash kisses simultaneously light my heart.  I look and see the smile on my face and I notice the clear , loving, protective, strong, searing eyes of you.  My heart beats fast remembering - jagged pieces of despair we endured that brought us to this day.

“We’re very sorry.  You have 15 minutes to clear your desk.”

“We can’t afford to keep the house.  We’re upside down.”

“What is a short sale?”

“We have to find a home for Sammy and Jojo.”

“Can I please look for a pet-friendly apartment?  I don’t want to lose them!”

“I don’t know if I will get another unemployment check.  Congress is on vacation.”

“Starbucks won’t hire me.”

The pain, the hurt, the worthlessness.  The fire of ineptitude.  Painful memories fly away as I gaze at the fork in my hand, and remember our cake-ey kiss and the tickling dizzy buzz of champagne.  I smile, remembering my giant cake decorating failure after I lost my job.  My attempt to take a class so I could feel part of something again.  I failed at that too.  Yet, this failure was filled with laughter and my invention of “Earthquake Cake.” 

You and me against the world

Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world

And for all the times we’ve cried I always felt that

God was on our side

The multi-colors of the stained glass window on our day fly at me as I gaze through my veil at this new world.  Sneaking a peek, I smile.  I hear the swish of mini-flower girls’ petticoats and the determined plip-platter of a mini ring bearing tuxedo with a sweet boy in there... somewhere.  I hear the gasp as the three kiddos adorably make their way down the aisle with careful meticulousness.  These wise little ones know instinctively this moment is fast and fleeting.  

Yes, I steel a glance, smelling the sumptuous roses in my hand.  Time stands still.  I hold a gracious grateful moment of prayer and a true triumphant smile. We made it.

I take a step.  You are there.  You smile.  We know.  Tunnel vision takes over and everyone is gone.  I know they are there - but the hubbub is soft and respectful.  There is only you and this energy - my wonderful light.  Strong.  Loving.

And when one of us is gone

And one of us is left to carry on

Then remembering will have to do

Our memories alone will get us through

Think about the days of me and you

You and me against the world

I love knowing we can do anything.

("You and Me Against the World" is a song written by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams, recorded by Helen Reddy for her 1974 album Love Song for Jeffrey)