a long way from tupelo

Date March 13, 2008

A little over a year ago I sat in the Lyric Theatre with a little girl that means more to me than I ever expected that she would.  I see bits of myself in her and wish that the mistakes I’ve made in this life could be hers as well so that she wouldn’t have to relive them all, but that’s just not possible most of the time. 

So, I watch her struggle and my heart breaks for her and I hold her when she cries and I storm into places that she shouldn’t be in and drag her out by her hair and I let her sleep in the bed with me when she’s scared and hurting and we let music heal us in our broken places.  We let it fill the empty spots, the ones left gaping by loss and grown up hurts that we neither one understand. 

It’s cold and raining today and  A Long Way from Tupelo, but I’m not here.  I’m in that old theatre in Mississippi, listening to Paul Thorn, tapping my feet to the easy rhythm, throwing my head back at his stories, shouting amens as his family joins in the music, watching my bff’s heart break all over again and mine is breaking, too.

Category Posted in friendcitos

4 Responses to “a long way from tupelo”

  1. Kevin said:

    March 14th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    I have read your post over and over. I know. It’s short and there’s not much there in words. But the meaning resonates with me. I don’t know how many times I wish I could take on all of the pains, frustrations, and issues that my kids will have to go through.

    I think that at the heart of matter, we see the love of our Father reflected in our relationship with our kids. Knowing that is exactly what Christ did for us on the cross.

  2. Chad Jarnagin said:

    March 15th, 2008 at 1:54 am

    Your quote on my site was great! Love that flick.

    I like your site.

    Have a great weekend!

    C

  3. Katie said:

    April 14th, 2008 at 6:19 am

    I just have to tell you that daddy makes us listen to Paul Thorn (very loudly) every time we have a family gathering…you and Randy. who knew? i can’t say i am surprised though.

  4. one night. three of my favorite things. | Among the Wildflowers said:

    August 22nd, 2008 at 1:12 am

    […] too. And we talked about her Daddy and we cried a little and missed him a lot. And we talked about that night at a theatre listening to Paul Thorn and how we could just ride and listen to good music […]