Simple Man

Boy, don't you worry, you'll find yourselfFollow your heart and nothing elseAnd you can do this, oh, baby, if you tryAll that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied

Lynyrd Skynyrd- Simple Man


What is special about music is how it can take you out of somewhere you really don't want to stay, and put you where you need to be. It can get you on your feet with your hands raised or calm your spirit so you can lie down and rest. With the earbuds in and your favorite tune playing, nothing else exists. It brings people together around a campfire with a well-tuned guitar among a dozen off-pitched accompanying friends and family. 

Some of my most precious memories of growing up are lounging around the house with my parents and brother with speakers blasting everything from country to classic rock and traditional Christmas music. My lovely-voiced mom cleaned the house singing The Chair by George Straight and my dad and I bonded over John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, my brother not understanding why and patiently waiting for the Beatles White Album to play (which we all enjoyed as well).

Music has meant a lot to me, especially through the deepest darkest shadows of depression. A heartbreaking divorce forced me to split time with my kids into another household. I missed them deeply whenever they were not around. Then the shadows became deeper after my second stroke, I was no longer able to work with my hands as I had my entire life. In the dark corners of my bedroom, I could play Mercy Me and be reminded that even there I wasn't alone. 

Then there was the support from my parents who prayed relentlessly for me and made sure I had what I needed. I'm more grateful to them than I will ever be able to express. With my gratitude to them, I am hoping my kids will remember some of the words of Simple Man. It was my dad who introduced me to Lynyrd Skynyrds' Simple Man but my mom's voice that I hear with the words "Oh, take your time, don't live too fast Troubles will come and they will pass..... Forget your lust for the rich man's gold All that you need is in your soul." 

I have an amazing daughter and two awesome boys. I have made many mistakes but every minute that I have spent with them or doing something for them was never one of them. My kids have heard that song many times, but I'm not sure if they ever really listened to the words. No matter what happens, even the worst of things will pass. What matters is the condition of your soul. Never forget that between God and family, you're never alone. 

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