The Guitar In the Distance

I have owned my guitar since 1969, when I was 13 year old. It was an eighth grade graduation gift from my parents. He is a Guild D-35

acoustic six string, and I have played him for fifty years. His name is Vladimir. Vlad has traveled a long and winding road in his career. He went with me to college, where I almost immediately dropped out, finding "god" in a popular cult of the time. He sang with me as I wound my way through belief and question, worry and warrior, kids and camp. I roused innocent children from sleep with "good morning" songs," sent them off to bed with soothing ballads, inspired peers with popular folk songs of the 60s and 70s. His charge was to always be a comfort and inspiration to others. Vlad followed me into marriage, children and every issue of the day. I taught my sons to play him (they have since far surpassed me in their musical abilities!) and, lately, I have swung him around 360 degrees, playing in coffee houses, hospice services, and church sanctuaries. I played him at each of my parents' funerals. How hard to momentarily turn off all emotion, in order to get through a cherished song, only to break down the moment it was over! Thankfully he appeared at weddings too, for both friends and family. He is always good that way. Each day, as I drive home from work on I-95, I pass the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino off in the distance. The hotel building is in the shape of a classic Les Paul guitar, and right now, the builders are at the upper parts of the neck. This guitar lets me know my daily commute is almost over, and I will soon be home. I say hello to it every time, wondering if this grand instrument has any communication with my Vlad. I am now almost 64 years old, yet I still greet Vlad each morning. He rests in the corner of my bedroom, patiently collecting dust and waiting for the very infrequent times I pull his hardshell case out to play him. He is my un-aging friend and companion, the one who remembers me as a young, red-headed girl, still waiting for life -- and guitars -- to guide her on her way.