At some point in our lives, we have all encountered life’s unexpected turns, which occasionally lead us back to our roots. That’s exactly what happened to me (Sandra). After a period of uncertainty, my loving husband and I found ourselves back close to our roots, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. Lee J. was thriving in his new job, and a sense of stability settled over us.
The joy was amplified by the anticipation of a new arrival. With the familiar comfort of my previous obstetrician and the constant support of my mother, I felt secure and loved. Then came Angie Lea, a whirlwind of a delivery that Lee J. jokingly compared to a Wild West frontier birth. He barely made it to the hospital in time! I have to admit, those easy births were a blessing.
Those early days were a blur of newborn cuddles and familiar routines. The transition from a family of three to four was seamless. It was perhaps because I felt more assured this time around. The duplex we found down the street became our haven, where we could truly settle and build our life together.
Lee J., sensing a need to rectify a past regret. He surprised me with a 1966 Chevrolet Impala. It wasn’t the GTO of my dreams, but it was a symbol of his desire to make things right. It was a gesture that warmed my heart. The old Desoto was replaced with a clunker for his work commute; its rattling bumper was a familiar sound that announced his arrival. Julie, our eldest, would dash out to greet him, her little legs hugging his as he walked her into the house. Those simple moments of pure joy painted a picture of a life that felt truly good and peaceful.
It was during this time that my love for Lee J. deepened. He was a devoted father, a loving husband, and a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. He adored his little girls, a trait he clearly inherited from his own father. His playful interactions with Julie and the song he wrote for her, “Daddy’s Little Girl,” were testaments to his tender heart. Even Angie, too young to fully participate, felt the warmth of his affection.
Our connection was deep and intimate. It was a passionate love that only grew stronger with time. We cherished our time together. We made sure to create moments for just the two of us. As Lee J. eloquently put it in his autobiography, our world felt “right.” He captured the essence of our feelings with the lyrics of Alabama’s “Feels So Right,” a song that spoke of tender whispers, shared sighs, and the deep comfort of being held close.
“Whisper to me softly, breathe words upon my skin
No one’s near and listening, no need to say goodbye
Just hold me close and love me, press your lips to mine
Mmmm, feels so right, feels so right…”
Those words resonated with the intimacy and contentment we shared. Our love as husband and wife was constant. It was a steady flame that burned brightly amidst the joys and challenges of raising a young family. We were building a life together, brick by brick, filled with love, laughter, and the simple pleasures of home. And in that moment, everything felt perfectly, wonderfully right. It was a time of rebuilding, of rediscovering the joy in simple things, of cherishing the love that bound us together.
This chapter, along with many other beautiful memories that we recounted in our memoir “Releasing Alexandra: The Memoir of a Woman Who Set Herself Free,” taught me the importance of home, the power of love, and the beauty of finding joy in the everyday moments.
I hope this glimpse into our lives resonates with you and helps you to cherish the moments, to find joy in the simple things, and to hold your loved ones close by.