I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down. –Simon & Garfunkel
“I’ll take your part when darkness comes…” Although a beautiful sentiment–it simply isn’t possible to take another person’s part, even though there are times when we desperately wish we could.
My mind today is filled with concern over a boy we know, a young man who right now is hospitalized in an intensive care unit, miles from home. A child raised in this small town–one whose smile is big enough to light up a stadium–his name is Aaron.
And I close my eyes in prayer cleaving to the notion that doing so will have the power to bring him what he needs to heal…
I think of Aaron’s parents and how desperately they would take their son’s part. More than his part, either of them would lie down in his place and fight the infection that has ravaged their child’s body. And yet they can’t. Instead on bent knees they keep vigil–cradling him in their love .
I think of his best of friends, they are young–all freshman in college–all now occupants of a front row seat to life’s utter fragility. Each of their parents would gladly take their son or daughter’s part, but can’t. Instead they wrap their arms around the heartache and paint a picture that seeds hope.
Those of us at home cleave to the updates that come from those on the front-lines–each acutely aware that every bit of prayer, light and love helps. We are reminded that what we have–all that we hold sacred–is in our human connection, something that Aaron himself inspires.
Sending whatever light I have out to you — pass it along to Aaron!
You are so right in stating that we can’t take other people’s “parts”, but we can try to lighten the load, share in the burden — in whatever way we can.
Jackie, thank you. Yes, you are so right. This is one of the incredible things about community-people link arms, and do anything possible to lighten the load, that is so beautifully said. Truly there is no act too small.
Love, light, and prayers for Aaron and his family!
Thank you Edee….
I just said a prayer for him and his family.
Thank you Pam.
Saying prayers and sending positive energy this morning to him and his family.
Thank you Mary.
Blessings. That’s all. Blessings.
Thank you Carol.
Sending healing thought, please.
Thank you Sandra.
Sending prayers your way.
Thank you Janie.
One of the hardest things to do in life is to stand by, and hope that something works out for another person. That kind of helplessness drives me crazy.
Sending positive thoughts Aaron’s way. I can’t directly help, but maybe I can indirectly ease.
Yes! That is exactly right. And thank you…