Spitfire Grill: Nancy Kolton, On Healing Old Wounds

“You think if a wound goes real deep, that the healing can feel just as bad as what caused it?” -- Percy

Through the course of ones life we all must go through a healing process at some point. From early childhood when we get a boo-boo, which often can magically be healed with a well placed kiss from a loved one. As we grow and learn we sometimes suffer broken bones, broken hearts, even broken spirits, which can’t always be healed with a well placed kiss.
I work for a clinical psychologist, so this theme really struck a chord in me. Day in and day out, I watch wounded souls begin their journey to well being in mind and body through healing and redemption. Some are so injured that they cannot bear to even acknowledge the wound. To do so is far too painful, so they must deny its existence, guarding it from discovery, and wearying of its care.

The healing requires that we let go of our denial and reopen the wound. Which, as Percy says, “can feel just as bad as what caused it.” The brave souls willing to take that journey are not unlike those we encounter in this show. The sorrows and wounds of their lives are deeply felt. Their hearts cry out for the chance to begin again and find healing for their souls.
There is an old hymn that states: “There is a balm in Gilead, to heal the sin-sick soul. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.” All the characters in this show experience that healing balm through the love and care of, sometimes the most unlikely of people, who eventually are willing to open their hearts to others in need of a new chance to begin again.

May all your wounds find the magic of a well placed kiss from a loved one!

-- Nancy Kolton is a Chicago based actor who is proud to say, unlike her character, that she has never waited tables in her life! Come join us at the Grill!