The Write Side of My Brain – Creating the Things, Making the Art, Doing the Work

By Mike in Life

June 11, 2025

Yesterday, for the first time in more than eight months I made it back to one of the small groups I belong to at church. The other one I’ve just joined meets tomorrow.

When the alarm went off and I realized it was raining I almost talked myself out of going. But I went. And I’m glad I did.

I wrote last week about turning corners. I’m turning some of them because I’m making progress. I’m turning others because I’m just that stubborn.

I’m walking with a cane, or a walker, or for longer distances a rolater. But I’m walking.

That makes me realize that I have to dig myself out of a certain rut.

In rehab, I would often wake early and simply have to wait for breakfast which sometimes came at 8:00,

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more often 9:00, and on a couple of days closer to 10:00. Sure I could have gone across the hall to join the other residents but, being the introvert that I am, I chose to have meals in my room.

I did find myself chuckling one day about how early the “older” residents would show up for meals. Then I realized that I was watching them and waiting for meals myself.

In the early days I would also have to wait for the aide to come and help me get up. I was unable to get out of bed, dress myself, or take myself to the bathroom.

On those long days, especially when I didn’t have therapy, or didn’t have visitors, the days would get long and boring. That leads to two points.

First, if you know someone in rehab, or in the hospital, or any other type of facility, visits are a very good thing. It can get lonely. But when you visit, just remember to keep it cheery and short. In most cases thirty minutes is more than enough.

Second, on those mornings of waiting, I would turn on the television to the Today Show.

I’d watch all three hours followed by Hoda and Jenna, which is now Jenna and Friends.

It became familiar. It became something I looked forward to.

I remember the Today Show being on television before I left for school. Back then it seemed like there was more news coverage. These days, they’ll cover the breaking stuff, but you’re just as likely to be entertained as informed.

Still, it filled my morning schedule.

I continued that pattern when I got home and I’m now struggling to kick the habit.

There’s nothing wrong with watching the Today Show. I just don’t need it to consume four hours every weekday morning.

With my move back upstairs to sleep and to work, I’m having to say goodbye.

Oh, I’m sure there’s a way to watch it online since there’s no television in my office. I’m choosing not to explore those options. For now.

How we suffer. Oh how we suffer.

Thanks, Yenta.

All I’m really saying is that iI I’m sure I’ll catch the Today Show from time to time.

If Dialing for Dollars ever reaches me and Janis with that color TV, I might watch more of it from the home office.

Turning corners means changing up routines. That’s what I’m doing.

One human interest story at a time.

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Photo by Daria Kraplak on Unsplash

Last Friday I told myself it was a day to turn a corner.

I made it upstairs to shower, had my physical therapy apointment, went with the wife to run some errands and hit the drive through at the Greek Festival.

And I went for a drive. Behind the wheel. By myself.

On Saturday I drove myself to the theater for rehearsal. I’ve continued to do that this week.

Sunday, I sort of ditched the walker for the cane. At least for short distances.

If you’ve followed the saga with my back, the infection, the surgery and the rehab, you know that’s a big deal.

I also told myself it’s time to be operating upstairs in my home office. I’ve spent most of the time since I returned home in mid-April in the recliner in the living room.

The dog has not been happy that I’ve been in his spot. I tried to apologize, but the poor old boy has gone completely deaf and didn’t understand what I was trying to say.

Looking back over the last seven months I realize how far I’ve come. I think back to the time when I first

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moved to rehab in February and was told they weren’t sure if I would walk. Those were dark times. But here I am, walking with assistance. But walking.

Not only that, but around the same time I was questioning whether I would be able to direct the show I was scheduled to direct. We open Friday night. If you’re local to Richmond, you can still get tickets.

Am I where I want to be? Not yet. But, unlike the feelings of a long, cold winter, I know now that I’ll get there.

That’s a good thing.

One more thing before I go.

I’ve been seeing news and entertainment reports about an upcoming summer production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. Cynthia Erivo has been cast in a title role. The casting of a queer Black woman has caused some controversy amongst my Christian brethren and sistren.

I have to ask, is this a battle we really want to fight?

It is not a casting choice that I would have made. I mean, Erivo is amazing and incredibly talented and I’m sure she will nail it musically.

But, it’s not my choice and so far, even though I’ve tried, no one has given me the opportunity to direct this show.

The controversy is even more baffling when you consider the religious community’s response to Superstar when it premiered more than fifty years ago.

I was in middle school when I first heard the music. For me it was transformative as a musical, as a spiritual experience. That, and a not long after crush on Sally Bowles, sparked my love for musical theatre.

Those within the church community thought JCS was blasphemous, thought it was disrespectful. I don’t know how many times I read the argument that it totally ignored the resurrection.

I once was criticized for planning a youth service where we used traditional and contemporary music along with scripture readings to tell the Easter story. When it got to the part of the arrest, I played the flogging scene from Superstar.

Scandalous.

Jesus Christ Superstar can be an emotional religous experience. But it’s not worship. It’s not a passion play. It’s theatre.

I work in the world of theatre. Trust me when I tell you there are a lot of things that don’t fit my personal tastes or beliefs. I just don’t audition for or go to those shows. It’s pretty simple.

Christ is not surprised by what is happening at the Hollywood Bowl. I can’t even say for certain that he’s offended. Either way, he’s endured far worse.

I am constantly reminded that, while on earth, the people that Jesus had the most trouble with were the religious leaders.

Oh, but we’re not THOSE religious leaders. Or are we?

All I’m saying is that perhaps instead of crusading against the aspects of culture we may find offensive we simply love those around us.

You don’t have to buy a ticket. You don’t have to see the show.

But maybe you should think about what your complaining says to those who do.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

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