Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser at Father Martin’s Ashley, an addiction treatment center we’ve represented for several years. Among the highlights of the 5th Annual Women in Recovery Luncheon was the appearance of singing legend Judy Collins. I can still picture her album cover on the shelf in our family room, right next to my parents’ turntable.
After making a few brief comments, she said, “I’d like to go ahead and get this out of the way.” She then sang her version of Joni’s Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” a cappella. Her voice is truly magical and I was immediately transported to my youth. When she was done (as I tried to mask the tears that welled up in my eyes), she told us she couldn’t have done that in 1978 when she checked herself into an addiction treatment center after four years of “around-the-clock drinking.” She’s been sober ever since, despite facing many challenges over the years, including the suicide of her only child. And at 73 years old, she’s living proof that people suffering from the disease of addiction can be healed.
Now I know firsthand why Stephen Stills titled his song about their relationship Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Thank you, Judy, for filling my day with your stunning beauty and grace.