There have been a lot of circumstances in my life in which I
have had people say to me, “You just can’t make that up”, and today is
certainly another one of those times.
One of these things happened a while ago. I went through a divorce.
Lots of people do it and it had me thrown for a loop and there have been highs
and lows involved going through the process. I was married to a man named,
Bill. After the divorce, when I thought that no one would want to get involved
with someone that came with three teenage kids, a friendship that I had, took a
turn and there was, indeed, some interest from a man. He didn't have any kids, but two dogs and two
cats. Not only was he interested, but after some time, I realized I was too. His
name is Bill. Not only is his name, Bill, but his name is William
Thomas Johnson. My ex-husband’s name is William Thomas Ladwig.
No, I can’t make this up.
As Johnson and I got closer and I started to introduce him
to people, there was that awkward moment when I would have to say, “Yes, you
heard me right, his name is Bill and not only is his name Bill, but they have
the same middle name as well”. The next
awkward moment after that is when the befuddled people I just shared my news with were
trying to figure out how to differentiate which Bill they were talking to me about. Names like: “Old Bill,” and “New Bill”, along with “Ex-Bill”, and
“Better Bill”, or “Your kid’s Dad”, and “Your new husband,” were used. Then
came my Dad’s famous line…”She did this so she didn't have to change the monogrammed towels”!
Initially, there was awkwardness when we were all together
at events. It is to be expected in such circumstances, no matter what the name.
Over time, there were less awkward moments and more moments of us just trying
to do the right thing with parenting the kids. We made some major decisions,
the three of us, and have proven to be on the same page with what we wanted for
the kids.
More time passed and I realized that I had not only obtained
an ex-husband, but also rekindled a friendship with him.
The two Bill’s share a lot of the same likes and dislikes
and one of their big likes is music-both played in bands in high school, both
play guitar and both love the same kind of music.
I bought Ladwig, one of his guitars during
the time we were married. I would get frustrated that he never seemed to learn
a song all the way through-just bits and pieces. I bought Johnson a new guitar as
well and struggled through listening to him play just bits and pieces of songs.
Fast forward to today: there is a Basement Band. It started
with Johnson, and his co-workers, Nate, and Craig. They started out practicing
at Craig’s house, however, Craig has kids at home that need to do things like
studying and such, so I decided to extend the invitation to have practice over
here in our basement. I gave myself the title of, “Band Manager”, and
encourage them to do the best that they can. Bill and I have set-up the basement
with band lighting, amps, a fridge for the beer, coat hooks and the
convenience of using the side door of the house to haul equipment in and out. I
have embraced the band and even have found myself enjoying listening as they have
improved.
I don’t remember when it occurred to me that Ladwig might
like to join the band and jam with the guys. I do remember thinking that I
would just throw it out there and see what would happen. I mentioned it and
there was a hint of interest. I emailed the set list to Ladwig. He already knew
quite a few songs on the list but informed me that until he got his new guitar
and amp, that he wouldn't be able to practice.
On Sunday of this week, I talked to my daughter, Lauren, and
she said she was in Madison with her Dad getting his amp.
This morning, Johnson mentions that an impromptu band
practice was going to happen tonight in the basement. I mentioned that I knew
that Ladwig had his amp and that he should shoot him an invite. I guess the
whole time, I wasn't too sure how this was going to go. Would it be a good idea
to have both Bill’s in a band together? We are all adults, right?!
Fast forward to 5 pm today-I get out of my vehicle after work
to hear the sounds of band practice. I make my way down the basement steps to see four
band members practicing away, both Bill’s jamming out and both grinning from
ear to ear. I listen to them finish the song. It is as if Ladwig has been with
them the whole time as they worked their way through the songs. In this moment,
I know that while I can’t make “this” up, “this” has turned out to be an
amazing thing.
We discuss the first gig…discuss dates…discuss the set up…
and I walk back up the stairs. I feel shock but also feel happy. At the end of
the day, this is what life is about. It is about going through the ebbs and
flows with an attitude of making it work, no matter what "it" is.
While I don’t know where the Basement Band is heading, I do
know that it has made a positive impact for all of us involved. Play On.
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| Johnson attempts a band "Selfie" |
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| Ladwig and Craig |
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| Nate brings it home with the hair and the jacket! |
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| The Basement Band...yet to be named. |
