MERLE HAGGARD IS THE REASON I’M MARRIED WITH A MORTGAGE

I was beyond disappointed to hear that the great Merle Haggard just passed away on his own birthday. He was truly an inspiring singer and the link I’ve enclosed is a song that my dad showed me when I was a teenager. He wanted to illustrate the power of words and emotions to me through a singer’s delivery. I can’t listen to this song without getting choked up!

So that being said, you can tell that I think this guy is boss. When my husband, Adam, and I were first dating, we did that whole on-again, off- again thing before we really got serious. (Oh we all did that. You did, too.) Anyway, when we were off-again, I really thought we were over for good because he had really made me mad. However, prior to the break up, he had acquired Merle Haggard tickets and we had planned to go to the concert. Let me just throw in that they were second row seats. (Yeah. I know. I’m giddy thinking about it, too.) After our break up, he called me and asked if I still wanted to go to the concert. Me, being a typical hot-headed Filipino chic, naturally said, “Hell, no! I’m still mad at you!” He said, “Yeah, I know. But I just can’t think of anyone else that would enjoy this concert the way you would.” « Aww. How sweet » So of course I responded with, “I don’t care!” like a jerk. To which he replied, “You don’t even have to speak to me all night. You can just sit there and listen to the music and continue on afterwards.”

Well, this was quite a pickle. SECOND. ROW. MERLE HAGGARD tickets. Count ’em! One, two….oh wait, you’re done. 'Cause it’s second row.

So what’d ya think I did? Yup. You guessed it. I made a verbal disclaimer of, “Okay. But just so you know, this doesn’t change anything! I’m just going to the concert and that’s it.” and took the ticket like any other classic country lovin’ fool would.

And as Merle serenaded us through the night at the Fresno County Fair (within spitting distance),………and as we walked by the ferris wheel,……..and stopped in those little 3 min photo booths,….Of course we got back together. (Just like I knew we would.) I mean, it’s very romantic, after all.

And now,………

Now I’m married to a wonderful man, the very love of my life. We live in our very own home in which we are continuing to build a life together. We fill it with love, memories, laughter and good ole’ country classics. Non toccare, raggaze. Lui é mio! (Italian: “Don’t touch, ladies. He’s mine!”)

So. Thanks, Merle, for gettin’ me married with a mortgage.

-FTF