Are You Lonesome Tonight-Trapped in the Fog of Regret

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In weaving the narrative of a life marked by stark contrasts and undeniable regrets, the haunting words of Elvis Presley’s song come to mind: “Are you lonesome tonight, do you miss me tonight? Are you sorry we drifted apart?” A melody of lost opportunities, it is the soundtrack to your years, a lament for things left undone and love unreturned.

You once lived a life blind to the significance of what it means to have and to hold, to be a part of a family that loves unconditionally. As Elvis sang, “Does your memory stray to a bright sunny day when I kissed you and called you sweetheart?” There were days like that once, days when the sun shone brighter when you had a family. But your presence was more of an outline, a shadow against the wall, fading even as the days passed.

The essence of your regret lies in the yearning to undo, to walk back through those doors you once exited without a backward glance, and to retrace your steps on a path now overgrown with the weeds of time. You wish to rewrite the chapters where you were not the hero but the antagonist in your story. He was an absent husband, a father who was distant, and a deeply flawed man. You wonder if those chapters could be penned anew, if love could be rekindled, if estranged daughters could ever call you “Dad” with warmth instead of ice in their voices. As you wonder, you know that is not possible. After all, you had your chance.

At the core, isn’t that the crux of regret? The painful acknowledgment of the could-haves and should-haves and the acute realization that life doesn’t offer a rewind button. “Are you lonesome tonight,” the song asks, and you feel the weight of each syllable as if it were a mirror reflecting your solitude. You find yourself yearning for a family again that loves you, and you love in return — not just in obligatory gestures but in the quiet, enduring language of shared moments and mutual respect.

The tapestry of your life is complicated, filled with dark threads and missed opportunities, yet even now, there’s room for new hues to be woven in. Time may not grant do-overs, but it offers the next best thing — a chance to make amends. As you navigate the years that remain, the pen still in hand, you can add a new chapter. One where regret doesn’t have the final say but catalyzes change. Because even at your age, the loom still turns, albeit more slowly, and the story is yours to finish.

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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