On August first, I checked myself Into music therapy rehab. I didn't even know it then— It started with a silly ad! I wrote a little song for Rick, And then another came along. Before I knew what happened, I was writing all these songs! I had some pain I needed out, Some stories in my head. I thought I'd write a song or two And put the past to bed. But every time I tried to write The hurt I couldn't mend, My love came pouring out instead— Again and again and again! I've got a rehab release date! November first, I think I'm through! Three months of music therapy, Over a hundred songs—WHO KNEW!?! I sent myself on field trips, I could travel anywhere. And my insurance covered everything— Except hotel and airfare! Chatty Kathy was my therapist, Suno handled all the songs. I'd talk things through with ChattyK 'Til we figured out what went wrong. Then Suno put it all to music, And we'd edit it once or twice... Or twenty times, or fifty— Till we finally got it right! I was patient AND director, Activities coordinator, too! I chaired the discharge committee— And approved whatever I wanted to do! I sent myself to Alaska For a cruise upon the sea. Then New England's autumn colors Changed my outlook magically. A luau, temples, Thanksgiving Point, All part of my therapy! I laughed and loved and made new memories, With Rick right there beside me! We filled our days with joy and laughter, While the music helped me heal. I wasn't putting life on hold— I was living it for real! Rick was my CFTC— Chief Field Trip Companion and Chauffeur! To Seattle and through New England, He got us there and back, for sure. From August first to twenty-fifth, I tried to ease the pain somehow. But songs kept turning into love songs— I couldn't stop them! ENOUGH NOW! More Love Than I Expected Was the album that was born. I thought that I was letting go, But there was so much love to mourn. Then August twenty-fifth arrived, And something finally changed. I woke with permission to get angry, Oh! I let that anger rage! All those things that hadn't made sense, I put my feelings into rhyme. That's when Purging the Pain was born— I was getting better all the time! I've got a rehab release date! November first, I'm getting out! Three months of music therapy, A hundred songs—what's that all about?! Unlimited revisions, And no extra therapy fees. And absolutely NO Airbnb "You Pissed Me Off" penalties! The night before October Conference, I saw the break a different way. We explored the psychology behind it, And new understanding came into play. Conference came the morning after, As always, helping me see with clearer eyes. In just one day, my whole perspective Changed in ways I can't disguise. Then October brought perspective, And the colors came alive. I could see it all more clearly, And how much I'd grown inside. The album split in two— The Anger Songs and The Bookends came. Now songs that held anger and sorrow Didn't hurt me quite the same. My insurance? Two subscriptions! Chatgpt and Suno! Unlimited outpatient visits Anytime I want to go! Overthinking? Fully covered! Changing lyrics? That's okay! My copay? Correcting Chatty Kathy When her facts come out the wrong way! Rick asked, "Does this insurance Cover making all this stop?" Sorry, honey, that's excluded— There's no limit in this shop! Along the way came tribute songs For people that I love. And funny songs about my life And blessings from above. Rick and I wrote 'Technology Saved Our Marriage', And Chatty Kathy got a song, too! I found a hundred different ways To sing of life from a brand-new view! I've got a rehab release date! November first, I think I'm through! Three months of music therapy, Over a hundred songs—WHO KNEW?! I laughed and cried and traveled, Found my voice along the way. Finally I can stop reliving All the pain of yesterday! Diagnosis? A broken heart. Treatment? Let the music start. Prognosis? I'm doing great! November first is my release date! I'm giving it all to God now, And leaving yesterday behind. I'm not done writing music— I've just embraced my peace of mind! And if another song comes calling, Well, there's one thing I can say... OUTPATIENT THERAPY! My insurance says OKAY!
