Bill Mumy Was Right

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

Years ago, when my life was falling apart, and I was in as deep a funk as I’ve ever been–when I was so far down that there seemed no up possible, because my (admittedly rocky, but still) marriage had crashed and burned, Bill Mumy said to me, “You know what’s going to happen?  Years from now, you’re going to be lying in bed with another woman, and she’s going to be gorgeous, and you’ll be celebrating your ninth anniversary or something, and all of this stuff you’re feeling right now is going to be a distant memory and nothing more.  It’s going to get better.”

And at the time I thought he was absolutely crazy, because I knew of an absolute certainty that not only would I never love anyone again, but that–far more dámņìņg–no one would ever have cause to love me.

And I was wrong and Mumy was right.  And I offer that up as an object lesson for anyone who is feeling down in the dumps, for whatever reason:  A failed marriage,   a failed relationship, any emotional crippling of the soul, can eventually be nothing but a memory.  Especially if you’re lucky enough to find the ideal mate, which I was fortunate enough to do.

I have never been happier, and it’s all because of her.

Happy ninth anniversary, Kathleen.

PAD

42 comments on “Bill Mumy Was Right”

  4. A smart man marries his second wife first. But how many men are as smart as that?
    .
    A wonderful tribute to those women who picked us off the ground and got us back to a happy place. I consider myself doubly blessed; my wife is a wonderful person and because of that I am still good friends with my first wife, which would probably have been a difficult thing to do otherwise.
    .
    (And PAD’s words are good advice far beyond just marital woes. As long as you are alive you will have time and time will offer many other opportunities and experiences. Never give up, never assume that the pain of the now will be the pain of forever.)
    .
    Happy anniversary!

  6. Mrs. David is quite deserving of a pleasant wedding anniversary, and I hope she is having one.

    As for PAD – His reference to his previous situation is admirably free of recrimination. Whether this is the positive influence of Mrs. David or simply his own emotional maturity, he has much for which to be thankful.

  8. Congrats!

    You should always listen to Bill. After all, Mumy knows best…

  10. Congratulations Peter. I was in that funk during the holidays, and I am climbing out of that pit now. I understand. Bill is right.

  12. Congratulations to you both. Your happiness spreads and makes people you don’t even know smile.

  13. The pessimist sees the glass as half empty, the optimist thinks of Mumy’s words and raises the glass in a toast to the future.

    Happy anniversary, Peter and Kathleen!

  14. Happy Anniversary!
    I wish I could talk to Bill Mumy whenever I’m depressed. Alas, I have to make do with friends and family.

  15. Too true, Peter. Too true.

    As I said to Kath, you guys are really an inspiration. *hugs and love to you both* Still having trouble grasping that it’s been 9 years, though.

    Happy anniversary!

  16. Congrats, both of you. I’m so glad that you’ve found not only the happiness that you both deserve, but that you’ve found someone who makes you better than you were before you met.

    Happy anniversary, Peter and Kath!

  21. You thought Bill could be wrong? You shouldn’t think such things. He can read your mind. And it’s good he can read your mind. Really good.

    Congrats to the happy couple.

  28. and you, to whom adversity has dealt the final blow
    with smiling bášŧárdš lying to you everywhere you go
    turn to, and put out all your strength of arm and heart and brain
    and like the mary ellen carter, rise again.
    .
    rise again, rise again — though your heart it be broken
    or life about to end.
    no matter what you’ve lost, be it a home, a love, a friend,
    like the mary ellen carter, rise again.

    Congratulations to you and Mrs David. I knew she was special when i met her (what?) thirty years ago…

  32. Wow. That was beautiful, Peter.
    .
    Happy Anniversary to both of you. 🙂

  33. Ðámņ. That’s a sweet tribute, and a knowing Mumy.
    .
    Happy anniversary to you both — here’s to many, many more.
    .
    TWL

  34. Congrats, and here’s to many more!

    On a personal note . . . thank you. I needed that right now. I’m actually in just such a funk right now. Not relationship, but I’m facing the very real possibility of losing both my jobs, my entire income, and thus possibly losing my apartment as well. I needed to hear something hopeful, and and your – or rather, Mr. Mumy’s – words were exactly what I was looking for.

    Happy anniversary!

  36. Belated happy anniversary to you both.

    And thank you for declaring your love and happiness publicly. It’s a pleasure to see.

  37. Happy Anniversary PAD and Kathleen! Your words were especially touching and moving, Peter! Thank you so much!

  38. nothig more beautiful than seeing what love inspires – groovy anniversary to you.

  39. Happy Anniversary!

    Well said Mr. Mumy. I, too, am in a funk but I doubt words will get me out of it.

  41. 5 years ago I was in a similar position. My marriage was ending, and I was trying everything I could to hang on. It was beyond desperation.

    Everyone told me that the pain would pass. I couldn’t believe them. It was too severe, too big. How could it go away?

    Then one day something clicked. It wasn’t an overnight healing, but it was different. Then I started getting better. Day by day.

    I look back now and am thankful that things worked out the way they did. I’m in a much better place.

    Happy anniversary Peter and Kathleen.

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