There comes along in many people’s lives a song or a singer who forever inspires, delights, and warms their hearts. For me, that singer is Helen Reddy. She passed away Tuesday September 29, 2020.
Although I feel a bit heartbroken, I do feel some peace, knowing she is at rest now in heaven, free of earthly problems and pains. She is likely singing for the angels there, as she is being welcomed by family, friends, and fans who have preceded her in death.
I never got to meet her but we did make a connection early on. You see, this shy lonely teenager wrote her a letter in 1973, telling her how much I loved her singing and I asked about her albums. Helen wrote me back, thanking me and answering my questions. Also an autographed photo was enclosed. I felt that somebody in this world heard me, listened to me, and answered me. I mattered to someone way over there.
Many songs on Helen’s multiple albums that didn’t become radio hits were just as wonderful if not better than those which did. To this day I sing them, hum them, they play on my internal radio quite often. And of course, occasionally I’ll listen to her on my mp3 or prime music. If I were ever in a coma, and people would wonder if I’d come out of it, tell them to play Helen Reddy on loop on headphones for me. Either I’ll find the strength to come back or I’ll simply die happy! 😃
Through the 1990’s and some of 2000’s I didn’t listen to Helen as often, although I did occasionally remember some songs. In spring 2016, cleaning out some boxes I found a cassette tape I had made of my favorite HR songs. (I’ve kept the collection of records and her letter all these years.) I listened and again felt that deep warmth in my heart, my soul was in such delight! Only problem was the cassette had a scratchy noise constantly throughout. So I decided to look up getting CD’s and/or mp3 music.
And I found these awesome 2-disc sets that had most of her albums on it. I purchased several and spent hours and hours listening to all the delightful songs. What a joy! I rediscovered Helen Reddy!
That fall in 2016, knowing Helen’s birthday was coming up on October 25th, I decided to send her a birthday card. I had to search online for where to send. I found out she lived at the Motion Picture &TV Home. I called there to find a more specific address and was asked to leave my number. I was told they would have Helen call me back. WHAT!?
And she did. She left a message on my phone, giving me her personal phone number. I got the message after work that day and was so excited, I trembled! Well, I called her back early evening. Brief talk. But memorable. Once again, she heard me, she listened, and she answered me. I mattered to Helen once again, way over there.
My only regret is that I never met her in person. But that’s ok, I can see lots of video clips of her performances online. Lots of interviews too. And I can always hear her keep on singing.
Helen, you are like a long, lost friend having come back into my life for awhile, only to leave again, but this time leaving the world stage. Have I lost an old friend? Yes and no.
I’ll see you for real someday, in heaven. We’ll pick up where we left off on our chat October 17, 2016. And hey, maybe sing a duet or two with you. 😊🎶
God bless you, your sister Toni, son Jordan, daughter Traci, and granddaughter Lily. 🙏💙 Love always, Theresa M
