Today, I find that my heart tells me that I must share what’s on it. You see, this week of February –– centered around the 20th –– is a unique time, a special week that will remain with me for the rest of my days.
Three days ago, February 19th, was the five-year anniversary of my beloved wife Alicia leaving me and this world for, as I described it, “her heavenly home.”
I must be honest … even though there were a couple of others in my life, including the mother of my three children … Alicia was the only woman, at least up until now, that I truly loved. While we were married for 43 years, the beginning of this love dates to December 2nd, 1957, when I first laid eyes on her 65-plus years ago.
What you’ll read below are words I wrote and posted on this page less than 48 hours after her passing. Not long afterward, the husband––who is a missionary to members of Congress and their staffs––of the couple from whom Alicia and I purchased our Maryland townhouse after I joined XM Satellite Radio. His question was, “How did you write that immediately after you lost Alicia?” My response was simply, “All I did was place my fingers on the keyboard; God –– or if you wish, a Higher Power –– did the writing!”
NOTE: At the bottom of this page, you’ll find the link to my sharing of our love story, which was published just a week earlier.
Yes, this follow-up to last week’s Musings is one I did not expect to write, especially not just days later! My one joy is that I had written it and that my dear beloved Alicia, my wife of 43 years, had read it.
When I posted our story here last week, I had zero sense or premonition that only five days later, she would leave me and go to her heavenly home. You likely did not know her and did not know that following a very successful knee replacement last summer, she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in September. She had radiation and chemo treatments in November and December, and, in a recent CT Scan, it appeared the cancer may have been arrested. Last week was the most upbeat and pain-free week she’s had in months; however, this past Monday, she experienced a downturn.
Alicia was born and lived the first half of her life in Trenton, New Jersey. By her high school years, she had developed exceptional singing skills, so for the 20 years prior to our marriage, she was the region’s “go-to” soprano soloist for oratorio and other choral performances, along with playing lead roles in local opera productions. Just after we married in 1975, she was chosen to give a solo performance with the Trenton Symphony Orchestra, which normally brought in “big” nationally-known names to fill these roles.
Later in the 1970s, through my work, we had the opportunity to make an around-the-world trip, including stops in Australia. While there, we visited a koala preserve just outside of Sydney, where Alicia met up with one of her favorite four-legged creatures.
Upon returning home to northern New Jersey, she began preparing to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams … giving a recital in New York City’s “little” Carnegie Hall, which took place in the spring of 1980. (Alicia loved to comment that while she was singing in the Recital Hall, Frank Sinatra was next door in the big hall.) Here’s a portion of the excellent review she received from Peter G. Davis, the music critic of the New York Times during that era.
Over a number of years beginning in the late 1980s, on 40 or more weekends a year, we traveled throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England states as well as Florida for her to present inspirational concerts in churches and retirement communities. While she was considered an opera singer, unlike most singers in this category, when singing Broadway or Gospel music, she did not come off sounding like an opera singer!
As I wrap this up, let me share one more photo, this one taken outside a store on Main Street in Stowe, Vermont, just a couple of years ago. My Alicia always loved our visits to northern New England, which we tried in recent years to make an annual trip. And, she always loved encountering “characters” like this one.
While this has been a special journey for the two of us, I am confident that you likely can share a similar story … I recognize I am not unique in this situation; millions have made this journey before me.
Thank you for taking the time to read this additional story about my beloved wife, Elizabeth Alicia Blood Taylor. She has been embedded in my heart for more than 61 years … and will remain there for eternity.
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Alicia. She was truly a remarkable woman. I have such fond memories of her and, of course, her wonderful voice.
I am so sorry to read this, Marlin. I knew from your book and from Musings what a special lady she was.
A lovely Eulogy for a very lovely person! Thank you Marlin. Stay strong – people out there love you both. – Cousin Debbie
Marlin, I am so sorry to hear of Alica’s passing. Though we met her only once, I would have loved to come to know her better.
I am saddened by your loss. I always respected you and the work you did on the EZ format. I am sure that carried over to your choice of a wife.
Dear Marlin, I’m stricken with sadness with your news of Alicia. Everyone that knew her loved her dearly. I was a recipient of a note from Alicia only a few weeks ago and she praised your love and care as if you were a Saint. You will be in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. With my deepest sympathy, John Wicoff
To all of you who have posted comments here, a sincere thank you to each of you for your response and kind, thoughtful words. I am deeply touched and moved to tears each time I see or think about the dozens of messages I’ve received … through my Facebook page and direct E-mails as well as here. Thank you and may you be blessed as you’ve blessed me with your “love notes.”
We’ve been so deeply saddened by the news of Alicia’s passing. Shocked, after having earlier shared a conversation with you and her. I knew she was uncomfortable but remained a beautiful lady of grace, courage, and confidence. Her heart and smile will always be with you. We continue to pray for you. Thanks for the opportunity of knowing you together. Jim & Dianne
Dear Marlin,
I just came in from my mailbox, sat down with a cups tea to open a letter (I thought) from my dear friend Alicia! I always loved getting her very encouraging notes. We always shared our activities, families, praises and prayer requests! I was stunned when I saw her beautiful photo and read your letter! My condolences to you and your family. How good to know Alicia is “absent from the body, present with the Lord”. What wonderful memories for you to treasure until you meet again! May the Lord continue to be your comfort and strength.
Thank you, Char … may you be blessed!
Alicia and I met when I was 7 1/2 or 8 years old and she, near ten – instant friends. Thanks to her Mother, musician Elizabeth Blood, every school day, 'Licia and I lunched together at her house and after school, played together until dinner time – for some two years until they moved away. (Mrs. Blood introduced me to the luncheon manna, peanut butter and jelly.) Occasionally, when my parents could predict dinner time ahead of time (they were in business together), 'Licia would join us for dinner at one of the few Bordentown, NJ, restaurants (where routes 206 and 131 ran together for a few miles). Life led to our living very far apart, but when Alicia had her performance with Dave Brubeck, I flew in from Boston to attend. Writing about Alicia brings tears to my eyes; it's so final. I loved this girl from the start – Riva Poor nee Magaril, originally from Brooklyn, NY
I commented here at home all last week as the days passed with all the events with anniversaries for you. Of course, the loss of Alicia is a somber memorial day. She was such a part of our lives and who I became as a person. As I said at her celebration of life, if we could all be a little more “Alicia-like” in our daily lives, what a beautiful world this would be.
Thank you, dear daughter!