The calendar says it is April 22 but even though summer is still a few months away, my summer vacation starts today.
A few weeks ago, I promised to explain why a vacation is more than necessary. Some of you already know this but last July, I was involved in a car accident – a very serious one which destroyed my brand new Jeep – that has had lasting effects.
In the crash – where I was hit from behind – my face was thrown into the steering wheel, actually embedding my eyeglasses frame into my left eyebrow and required five stitches. I also suffered a “moderate to severe” concussion, lower back injuries that resulted in months of very painful physical therapy, and severe nerve damage to my left arm and hand. I literally have no feeling in my left hand so I have been forced to type one-handed ever since the accident.
Despite all of that, I have tried my very best to continue posting medleys and putting on a “happy face”. I haven’t done it to be “macho” but I am well aware that millions of people have it far worse than I do, so trying to put a smile on your face was that important to me.
I’m not looking for sympathy. We all have our own cross to bear, and as stated above, mine pales in comparison to so many others. I have, however, reached a point where I literally can’t physically continue to do this at this time.
What I need is a long break away from computers and mixing boards. I need to take the time to perform the exercises that will hopefully someday eliminate the limp I continue to have.
This is not a goodbye. In the immortal words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll be back.” I don’t know when but I will be back. So even though the calendar says it is April 22, my parting gift is a medley of summer songs.
Keep Smiling. 🙂 ❤
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play buttons are on the left … Volume sliders are on the right
Summer Vacation Medley
Nat King Cole – Johnny Rivers – Beatles
Sly & The Family Stone – Lovin’ Spoonful
Eddie Cochran – Danleers – Seals & Crofts
Rascals – Beach Boys – Brothers Four
Ray you need to do this!! Get well(as you can)and know how much we all love you and what a great time you give us all!! I will be in touch please relax as I know you!! Relaxing means just that!! love ya please rest!! And thank you for this am it is getting ready for you know what!! RELAX Ray!!!! RELAX!! love ya!!
Fred, my prayers are with you (and Nancy) today. You are one of the bright lights in my life and I fervently pray God hears the prayers of so many people on your behalf. Go get ’em, my friend!
Love Ya!
Will continue to pray for you, Fred, and for Ray. Hope you will let us know how things are going.
I’ll stay in touch. I promise.
Thank you for the prayers. ❤️
Ray, I didn’t know. I’m sorry this happened to you! Please take care of yourself! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! I’m amazed you have done this as long as you have, you need to just do what is best for you! Thank you, for putting the smiles on our faces, now is the time to put the smile back on your face! My thoughts and prayer are also for Fred!
Thank you, Donna 🥰
I appreciate the prayers but I believe Fred needs them more than I do. He is such a good, good man.
I’ll be back before you know it! ❤️
So glad you are taking time for you …. and so that you heal. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers Ray …. enjoy the warm sunshine and if you need anything at all …. thanks for the sendoff with some of the best summer memories …. they are the very best of the best! And the perfect song at the end of the medley (as I’m sure you planned). You’ll definitely be in my thoughts and prayers …. and I’ll look forward to seeing you back with more music (and maybe a bit of history somewhere in there) when you’re ready. Take care and Rock the Summer Mr. Music Man!
Thank you, Barbara 🥰
I definitely placed that last song in its place. It seemed to be the perfect ending. I appreciate the very kind words.
Rock The Summer!
Be well my Friend. You are one of the good guys…
Thank you, Coach. I appreciate your concern.
Ray I am happy you are thinking of yourself and taking the time to concentrate on your recovery. As we age we don’t “bounce back” as quickly as we did in our our youth. It is hard to accept but our bodies just don’t cooperate with our minds. So kick back and do your exercises. Sending prayers and good vibes your way. Rock on!
Thank you, Don. You’re right about the aging process slowing things down. The only “bounce” I have had was my face bouncing off the steering wheel! I appreciate your kind words and prayers.
Rock On!
Take care of yourself and we will all be waiting for updates. I had no idea this happened to you. You need this…
Thank you, Evelyn 🥰
I haven’t said anything about it because I realize people have enough concerns of their own, and you know that as well as anyone. I appreciate your kind words more than you could realize.
Ray this was a wonderful medley, taking us back to all the summers of yesterday. And we all know that summer is the season we long for, those lazy hazy crazy days of Summer. I had no idea that you had been in an auto accident and had received continuing injuries. I am so sorry I just cannot relate to you, how sorry I feel. I am glad indeed that you are taking time to take care of yourself there is nothing better than rest for the body, it is the biggest healer of all. And that PT is critical and being able to gain mobility again. I’m also sending my prayers again to Fred, he needs them the most right now. Thank you for being you and for always entertaining us, and putting us before yourself. Time for you now Ray! I send you hugs kisses and prayers, and look forward to your return. 🥰🙏❌⭕️
Thank you, Sandy 🥰
Your enthusiasm for life has been so beneficial to me these past few months. It has caused me to “soldier on” no matter how difficult it was. But now I do understand that time off is what I need most, so as much as I will miss all of you, I have to accept my limitations.
I agree that dear Fred needs our prayers more than anyone at this time. I love that guy! He will bounce back and so will I! ❤️
I will be counting on having conversations with both you and Fred, at a later time. Even though you will be doing a very much needed rest, I will bug you now and then. You have become a dear friend, as has Fred. Love you both and wish you both so well! 🥰
Bug me all you want! If I’m not online (and I won’t be very often), you can always private message me on Facebook or email me at Raylemire@aol.com.
Love you, too! ❤️
My gosh Ray I was not aware of your injuries please please take care of yourself and get needed rest…enjoying the music so much! Thank you for all the joy you have been giving us!
Thank you, Susan 🥰
Believe me, I didn’t want to stop because I was having so much fun but I simply had to give in. Time heals all wounds and it will heal mine. When I come back (and I will!), you’ll probably think to yourself that the break was a very “short” one. 😉
I didn’t know about your injuries. Please take care of yourself. You bring happiness to so many people (me included) but you need to take care of yourself. Be well my friend!
Thank you, Bob 🥰
I am very glad you have enjoyed the music, but I’m not feeling very much like the “master” at this time. I appreciate your encouragement and good wishes. As for you, please continue to be so damn cool!
I don’t always comment on the music but I do enjoy listening to the oldies. Sometimes it’s not until evening but I still listen to them I as they make me happy. I’m happy that you’re taking a well deserved break, you certainly have earned it. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend. Love you so much little brother ❤️❤️.
Thank you, Linda ❤️
I guess I’m a lot like Dad. He was a workaholic, too and he wouldn’t have wanted to take a break, either (although I can’t begin to imagine him playing rock and roll medleys) 🤣
Love you, too, Sis ❤️
Ray, Everyone needs a break from time to time. I certainly hope that you’re able to make good use of it and enjoy the time away without any feelings of guilt. I for one will enjoy the site without new additions. I will be able to enjoy your hard work even more knowing that you’re taking good care of yourself.
You have my thanks and prayers,
Jim
Thank you, Jim! 🥰
Yeah, there is definitely a feeling of guilt. I woke up this morning and immediately started thinking about what I could play next Monday. I have always been this way and I am much too old to change now (although I really don’t have much choice now!) 🙂
I sincerely appreciate the prayers. Thank you, my friend.
Ray, what a great medley to do before summer .. it will be in the 80’s here today! I can’t remember the last time I have heard a song from the Brothers Four!!
I did not know about your accident or your injuries ……… hugs and prayers my friend.
I can not believe you still did these medleys all this time, actually I can as you LOVE music and LOVE putting smiles on peoples faces and that is who you are!!
I have had some dark periods in my life … has pretty much never been easy! these last several years, your words and music has been a tremendous lift to get me through the days. The last couple of years my health has nosedived and there are days it is a struggle just to walk from one end of the house to the other. At this point in time, I don’t have a choice. If I live to reach early retirement age (1 1/2 years) I want to try to early retire .. depends on if I can get rid of my nightmare expense in Springfield though) Sorry, don’t mean to ramble, nor asking for sympathy BUT wanting you to know the impact YOU and your medleys have had helping me get through the days, one day at a time!!
I will TRULY miss seeing your posts and medleys (will go into the archives every now and again and pull some up) 🙂 Please hop on every once in a while and let us all know how you are doing please!!
Love you sweet man!!
Thank you, Penny 🥰
You have been through so much the past few years and I am forever grateful the music has been a blessing for you. Late at night, when I close my eyes, your name is always on the list of people I pray for. I so appreciate your support and kindness over the years. I will get better and I will be back!
Love you, too! ❤️
Wow had no idea…went through a series of rear end crashes a few years ago. Fortunately no serious injuries like you, but lots of mental anguish.
At our age constant rehab is what can change our quality of life, so put your energy there.
We will miss your daily presents and presence.
We can still stream medleys from your blog, right?
Thank you, I do dream of summer
Thanks, Mary Helen 🥰
The mental anguish is actually what bothers me the most. It has been nine months and I’m still scared to get behind the wheel. Yes, you can always find music medleys in the archives so take advantage of that as much as you want. I will be back! 🙂
This was just perfect today, Ray. (I Knew you would be playing “Lazy, Crazy Days” after your comment yesterday}! It will always be my favorite, but I love all of these. “Twas great to be young then,” for sure. Sorry to hear about your accident and the aftereffects. Hope the summer will bring healing to you. I will keep listening to this medley all summer and think of you.
Thank you, Pat 🥰
I should have known you would know “Lazy” was coming! 🙂 It was kind of a Happy Birthday gift to you.
I appreciate your lovely comments. I will be fine and I’ll be back before you know it!
I had no idea! Please take care of yourself! We will miss you but we have this site to go to when we need your musical gifts to us. God bless you and give you a needed healing rest.
Thank you, Donna 🥰
I appreciate your very kind words. It is quite possible I am going to miss all of you more you will miss me because I truly love my “work”.
you are very private, and i respect that. i wish i had known but you are always in my prayers anyway. please do what you need to do to get yourself feeling as good as you can. we adore you and care that you are okay. please don’t think you have to respond to this if it is painful to type. i know you read everything. i respect your decision to prioritize yourself and your health and i am going to take a cue from you and do what i can as well. for the record, it sounds like a serious accident and i’m so glad you are still here. been in a couple myself and it’s quite terrifying. i wish i was better at commenting on all of your posts, but sometimes i get too chatty lol. please enjoy the warmer weather and healing sunshine and relax and rebuild. love you much!!
Cathy, how could I not respond to a such a beautiful comment? You, of all people, should not be worrying about me. I know you already have such a full plate, and I apologize sincerely for not being as communicative as I had been. Just know that I continue to pray for you and I am still so amazed by your courage.
Love you right back! 🥰
p.s. There is no such thing as too chatty 🤣
Wow Ray, what a journey you have been on! Gosh !!!
You demonstrate heart and will power. Thanks for the music the smiles and calm in all our collective storms. Lots of love always. On a silly note, I hope you took the opportunity to get a new pair of eyeglasses with sexy frames 😉
Thank you, Liz. 🥰
I appreciate your kind words but I assure you “sexy frames” would not in any way add to my visual appeal. 🙂
As usual…coming late to the tunes…Ray, so sorry to hear of your challenges, but so glad you are taking care of yourself.
You have left us with a fabulous archive of your work to keep us smiling until you return. Praying for your full restoration! 😉 Take good care, Ray.
Terry
Thank you, Terry 🥰
I am doing very well and thank you for your concern. As for a return, I’m not sure, at this time, that I have the desire to come back, but time will tell.
I’m so sorry for all you have been through and hope and pray your break gives you the healing you need. We can come to the page anytime we want and listen to all the great medley’s you have made for us. Take care of your self. <3
<3
Nancy, thank you but any pain I may have suffered pales in comparison to your loss. It is typical, though, for you to always think of others. ❤️