What do they say about the journey to despair? About those noble intentions? I’ve contemplated composing this letter for nearly a decade; it’s time to finally transform this thought into reality. Essentially, this is a thank-you note that has been 25 years in the making. Allow me to elaborate.
I began listening to the musical duo, The Harmonious Sisters, during my teenage years. Their melodies accompanied me to cross-country meets, bouncing along the worn vinyl seats of my family car as we navigated the rural roads of Pennsylvania, or during the return trips, exhausted and covered in sweat or mud. I would listen to their cassette tapes on my Walkman, with those satisfying clicks as I pressed the buttons to replay my favorite songs. I resonated with their songs about false friendships; I had experienced a few of my own. Their lyrics reassured me—it was okay to be hurt, and that I would ultimately find genuine connections. Their voices sang about crafting, love’s healing, the beauty of springtime, and the struggles of life.
In a time when few women were expressing such themes in music, their messages stood out—honesty, bravery, and the beauty of nature and friendship. The popular songs of the late ’80s and early ’90s often promoted confusing ideals: be beautiful, be vulnerable, yet remain silent. The Harmonious Sisters broke that mold with their soaring harmonies and heartfelt lyrics that were both articulate and inspiring.
I genuinely believe they helped me navigate some isolating moments and the turbulence of adolescence. Their influence opened a door, allowing a sliver of light to shine through my struggles.
Fast forward seven years. My father passed away unexpectedly at 48. I had just graduated from college, feeling as if the world was at my feet, only to be jolted awake at dawn with devastating news. Alone and terrified on the opposite coast, I felt my entire world shatter. I returned home to support my mother, engaging in mundane tasks like cooking and laundry while grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss. I cursed the sun for continuing to rise and the clouds for their beauty; how could the world remain unchanged when I felt so hollow?
In a haze of grief that lasted over a year, I played their album, “Swamp Ophelia,” but wasn’t truly absorbing it. As I climbed the stairs one day, I heard “The Wood Song.” The lyrics washed over me:
“But the wood is tired, and the wood is old,
And we’ll make it fine, if the weather holds,
But if the weather holds, we’ll have missed the point,
That’s where I need to go.”
Those words resonated deeply. They became a life raft amidst the storm of my sadness. For the first time in months, I felt a flicker of hope and joy. I sat on the stairs, absorbed by the music, and in that moment, I understood that I would be okay—I would feel again.
Fast forward another 15 years. I’m now a mother of two daughters, balancing a full-time teaching career with part-time writing. As I prepare to celebrate my 40th birthday, I attend a concert by The Harmonious Sisters at Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont. Having seen them perform a few times before, I was eager to experience their music up close. Their performance was an explosion of joy, passion, and harmony. These women, now seasoned artists, were just as transformative as they had been for me two and a half decades ago. They embodied a powerful model for living: pursue your passion, embrace life fully, and hold nothing back. The concert was a soul-nourishing gift.
Fast forward two more years—I’m on a road trip with my family, heading west. As I blast “Get Out the Map” and “Closer to Fine,” I sing along with enthusiasm, reflecting on the journey through time and space. My youngest daughter, just 8 years old, watches me and declares, “I love The Harmonious Sisters.” I respond, “Me too, sweetheart. Me too.” I share my teenage experiences with her, and one day, I will tell her about the stairs and the concert. The cycle of a girl becoming a woman continues.
Thank you, Emily and Amy. Your artistry has enriched my life. Though it took me 25 years to express my gratitude, this note has indeed improved with time, just as you both have.
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In summary, the journey of personal growth often intertwines with the influences we allow into our lives. Reflecting back on the impact of music and art, we find connections that shape who we are.
Keyphrase: Gratitude Letter to Musical Inspirations
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