“Just wanted to let you and the team know that one of the participants from the retreat, Jeff Dawson, was injured in combat about four weeks ago. He is currently at Walter Reed recovering and his wife Trish is by his side, along with other family members. He is making progress and we are very hopeful for a full recovery. Trish listened to their song after she received the news of his injury and found great comfort in it, until he returned stateside for care.”
We received the above message from Sherri Beck, Program Director of the EOD Warrior Foundation. She had attended the retreat with Jeff, Trish and four other couples from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) community.
News of Jeff’s injuries spread fast. Our traditional post-retreat group call became that much more urgent.
Within days, all couples from the retreat gathered on the SW:S conference line, sharing memories from the retreat along with words of support for Jeff and Trish, who had managed to make the call from their room at a VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
Reading the lyrics to “Gibraltar,” the song they wrote with Maia Sharp, reveals the strength behind those smiles.
Trish and Jeff Dawson after joining the SW:S Retreat group follow-up call. Photo: Trish Dawson.
Gibraltar
Jeff and Trish Dawson / Maia Sharp
I can’t believe you see what you see
Then you come home to me with a goofy smile
I can’t believe we laugh like we do
After we’ve been through trial after trial
You’re my rock and when you’re gone
I could break down or sing this song
I’m not gonna crumble
I’m not gonna falter
I’m not gonna disappear under the water
I’m gonna stay stronger than I’ve ever known
But when you come home
You’re still my Gibraltar
It’s not like when you walk through the door
I’m not strong anymore and we’re not burning both ends of the candle
But I know with you by my side
Even the craziest rollercoaster ride
Is nothing we can’t handle
My rock and when you’re gone
I could slide off or carry on
I’m not gonna crumble
I’m not gonna falter
I’m not gonna disappear under the water
I’m gonna stay stronger than I’ve ever known
But when you come home
You’re still my Gibraltar
Hard to find peace when the only constant is chaos
When the lonely takes over and I can’t have you in my arms
I’m not gonna crumble
I’m not gonna falter
I’m not gonna disappear under the water
Yeah, I’m stronger than I’ve ever known
And when you come home
You’re my Gibraltar
© 2019 SongwritingWith:Soldiers Music (ASCAP) /
Crooked Crown Music (BMI)
Jeff and Trish Dawson and songwriter Maia Sharp at a retreat for EOD Couples at Boulder Crest Retreat, Arizona. Photo: Bill Albreth.