Picture this...: December 2014

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.