Love can build a bridge Between your heart and mine Love can build a bridge Don’t you think it’s time? Don’t you think it’s time?

I’d gladly walk across the desert with no shoes upon my feet To share with you the last bite of bread I had to eat I would swim out to save you in your sea of broken dreams When all your hopes are sinking, let me show you what love means

Love can build a bridge Between your heart and mine Love can build a bridge Don’t you think it’s time? Don’t you think it’s time?

I would whisper love so loudly, every heart could understand That love and only love can join the trials of man I would give my heart’s desire so that you might see The first step is to realize that it all begins with you and me

Love can build a bridge Between your heart and mine Love can build a bridge Don’t you think it’s time? Don’t you think it’s time?

When we stand together, it’s our finest hour We can do anything (anything) Anything (anything) Keep believin’ in the power

Love can build a bridge Between your heart and mine Love can build a bridge Don’t you think it’s time? Don’t you think it’s time?

The lyrics to this iconic song were written by the late Naomi Judd, and later recorded by Naomi and her daughter, Wynona; the two of them making up the award winning Country Music duo, The Judds.

Naomi passed away last Saturday, the day before The Judds were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Her daughters, Wynona and Ashley tearfully received the honor in her name and in her memory this past Sunday.

This song was written by Naomi, together with her friends and musical collaborators Paul Overstreet and John Barlow Jarvis.

Jarvis recalled, “Naomi handed me a set of lyrics she had written which was inspired by a conversation she had with Paul Overstreet. And I immediately heard a melody and wrote it in literally 15 minutes. What took the most time was finding the right feel for the final recording. I believe we recorded it two or three different times before they were happy.” (Nashville Hype)

In early 1990, Naomi became very ill, and was diagnosed with Hepatitis-C. She decided to retire as doctors speculated that she had only three years left to live. So Naomi and Wynona decided to disband The Judds.

Later that year The Judds released the song as the title track on their final studio album, “Love Can Build A Bridge.”

This beautiful song is about the importance of always standing together, and it was dedicated to the Judd family and their fans.

The song won the Grammy for Song Of The Year in 1992.

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, the Judd sisters announced the sad news of Naomi’s death due to her long-time battle with mental illness. Naomi had previously been diagnosed with chronic depression.

Their statement reads, “Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”

Naomi Judd is survived by daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, as well as her husband of 32 years, Larry Strickland; and two grandchildren, Grace Paulina Kelley and Elijah.

On April 30th, Lauren Jo Black wrote in Music Mayhem Magazine, “Just weeks before her tragic death, Naomi reunited with her daughter Wynonna Judd for a performance of ‘Love Can Build A Bridge’ at the 2022 CMT Music Awards.

“The moving performance, which took place in Downtown Nashville in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, marked The Judds’ first awards show performance in 20 years and will now go down in history as their final performance together.

“After being introduced to the stage by Kacey Musgraves, The Judds brought people together while showcasing their signature harmonies on the powerful lyrics of ‘Love Can Build A Bridge.’

“Midway through their performance, they were joined by a chorus of Gospel singers who donned white gowns, which made the moment even more spectacular.”

In a 2016 interview with “Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts, Naomi said she had been diagnosed with Chronic Depression. She said she had been isolating herself, not leaving her house for weeks, and not even caring about her personal hygiene.

Ever since 1949 the Month of May has been recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month,” and I wanted to focus on Naomi Judd’s sad story of depression in spite of her illustrious career.

Millions of Americans suffer with various forms of mental illness, and it more common than people realize. It has also impacted my own family over the years.

According to MedlinePlus some of the types of mental disorders are: “Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Eating disorders. Personality disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.”

According to the NationalToday website three ways that people can observe Mental Health Awareness Month is:

#1. “Take care of yourself. Life has numerous ups and downs. Some are solvable but others not so much. When your mental health acts up, seek the right treatment and make yourself better because, after all, life has much more to offer than just pain and suffering.

#2. “Take care of your loved ones. Check up on your friends and family. Many times, all people need is a shoulder to cry on and/or an ear to listen. Support and encourage them if they are being treated for any mental problems.

#3. “Talk about mental health. One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is by talking about it with your peers. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will become. This is one of the aims of the month as the stigma attached to mental health has led to countless delays in treatment AND research on the matter.”

If you or a loved one is living with a mental health condition or facing a mental health concern, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. But many people overcome the mental health challenges they face. You aren’t alone. Help is out there, and recovery is possible.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS: Text “MHA” to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year. Spanish speakers: 1-888-628-9454. Deaf & hard of hearing: TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

Naomi Judd talked openly about her struggles with mental illness, and she won the hearts of her many fans, not only with her beautiful music, but with her openness, honesty and love.

Love can build a bridge Between your heart and mine Love can build a bridge Don’t you think it’s time? Don’t you think it’s time?