That is an old song, written, I believe, in the late 1920s. For some unknown reason, I thought about it the other day. Then I thought back to when I was a bit of a lad, during the War, and the song played on the radio. Now, I understand that you may well have never heard of “Me and My Shadow.” But that doesn’t matter. I am about to broach a subject that I told myself that I would never write about. Well, I thought about that old song and I changed my mind. But I shall never mention the subject again.
On April 4, 2017, Carolyn, the woman to whom I had been married for a bit more than 53 years, died. You know, it’s a strange feeling to lose a companion you have had for so many years. It took me a few months, but I knew I had to get over it. Either that or drink myself to death.
I still think about Carolyn, it’s impossible not to.
I try to limit myself to the good and, many times, funny things.
I sometimes remember silly things, you know, why in the dickens did we have that ridiculous argument over virtually nothing?
I sometimes remember how broke we were when we started our lives together but, with a bit of work and a bit of effort, we managed to make out all right.
I sometimes think of a special evening. I believe that you understand what I’m talking about.
Traditional Marriage
Carolyn and I had, what is called, a “traditional” marriage. I made the money and she managed the house and raised our two daughters. The term “housewife” seems to be frowned on nowadays but, let me tell you, it is a difficult and extremely important job. If you don’t believe me, try it.
All I can say to anybody who bothers to read this is that unexpected things happen. There was no doubt in my mind that I was scheduled to die first, but it just didn’t work out. So all I can tell you is that, when it happens to you, and it will, get through it and make a life for yourself. And always try to keep your sense of humor.
I’ll stop now and leave you with a song:
Me and my shadow
Strolling down the avenue
Me and my shadow
Not a soul to tell our troubles to
And when it’s twelve o’clock
We climb the stair
We never knock
For nobody’s there
Just me and my shadow
All alone and feeling blue
“Me and My Shadow” Composers: Al Jolson, Billy Rose, and Dave Dreyer
Related to “Me and My Shadow”: A Long-Term Marriage
