The Wind Beneath My Wings

That's Hope

This is less a tribute to my wife, who deserves it. It is more of a revelation that I am a big personality and take over a conversation.

This morning, Hope and I, before our favorite deli breakfast, stopped by for the daily meeting of The Outsiders, formerly The Homeless, who got their name because all these people, from different backgrounds and ideologies, all met during Covid when Starbucks had the 6-foot rule, so they all got lawn chairs from Walmart and sat outside the Starbucks parking lot.

I was fortunate to meet them and be inducted four years ago. But I digress.

Each morning, even before my airport gig, I stop by, we discuss the issues of the day, and our personal lives.

Hope sometimes joins me. I finally realized that it was NOT because she was not interested or didn’t relate. It was because I am a big personality.

I like to control a room. Not because I need the attention; it’s more because I truly LIKE this social interaction.

But I can be overbearing. Not out of malice or ego, I am just out there.

Today, I pulled back. Hope took control of the banter, was the ‘star’ of the gathering, and I pulled back.

I’m not easy.

The words of the Bette Midler song ring true.

It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that's your way
You always walked a step behind

So I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
A beautiful face without a name for so long
A beautiful smile to hide the pain

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
And everything I would like to be
I can fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings

It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I've got it all here in my heart
I want you to know, I know the truth, of course I know it
I would be nothing without you

So, there you have it.

Will I change who I am? Probably not.

Will I be more aware of how I act? Hopefully, yes

But.. I am a storyteller and Hope encourages me tell the tales and it’s all from one place: love.

This video says it all. I will not change..and I hope I can spread it around.