You never know what ray of light will rescue you from the dark days of divorce. During and after the trauma of ending a marriage or long-term relationship, all you really fell like doing is burying yourself under the covers, eating chocolate and watching "Law & Order" re-runs. Maybe you have time off from real-life responsibilities to indulge in this behavior for a weekend. But after that, you must put on your happy face and plow through the fallout of a divorce: money fears, insecurities, instability, possible custody issues. The future looks bleak and hopeless.
But at some point, you will see a ray of light that reminds you of the joy that will be yours someday soon. My savior was Harry Connick, Jr. in "The Pajama Game."
My twelve-year marriage was over after I caught my husband cheating. He begged for one last attempt at reconciliation so we went to New York for a long weekend. But the marriage was dead on arrival, as the infidelity had eroded all trust. I was faced with a future of finding and retaining a divorce lawyer, negotiating with my tough businessman husband, selling my house quickly, finding a cheaper house to buy or rent and moving. All of this misery was compounded by my broken heart and feelings of betrayal.
I have loved Broadway musicals since I was a youngster. My favorite show has always been "The Pajama Game." My father (now deceased) and I would listen to the record together and sing along, but I have only seen the musical performed once in summer stock.
As fate would have it, a limited Broadway revival starring Harry Connick, Jr. was playing in New York while I was there on this painful and ill-fated trip. I raced over to the theater and was able to score a single seat.
For two hours, I sat in a state of bliss, listening to Harry sing my special songs, mouthing the lyrics with him. It was heaven on earth. For the first time in months, I had a sense that everything was going to be all right. The world was full of music and laughter and creativity and possibility. I finally sensed that my pain would eventually subside and I would return to a life where there was joy and beauty and kindness and love. I glimpsed light at the end of this otherwise dark divorce tunnel.
Everyone has their "Pajama Game" -- a special movie, an empowering song, a poem or story that provides spiritual sustenance. All I can say is: Thank you, Harry for your help.