It was no coincidence the other day when, just as I sat down to collect my thoughts for my talk at the funeral for Joe Petrosky, a Springboro H.S. sophomore, a James Taylor song came on the radio.
When you’re down, and troubled/
And you need a helping hand/
And nothing, oh nothing is going right….
As Panther football coach Ryan Wilhite would say later, children are the life-blood of a community. So when a 15-year-old suddenly passes, is there an easy way to explain the reason or handle the hurt?
I was desperate for the right words. I stared at my computer screen, trying to filter all the emotions that ran through my mind, searching for the sentiments to express. I had nothing.
Just a few weeks ago Joe was part of a very successful Boro football season. After the playoff win at Mason, the team celebrated afterward like it had just won the Super Bowl – with Joe right there with the rest of them.
And now, the community was in shock. Where is comfort in the wake of such sorrow? I didn’t know what to say.
And then, as happens all the time with me, just the right song came over the radio. I’m convinced I have a heavenly DJ who speaks to me through music.
James Taylor first sang “You’ve Got A Friend” in 1971. Could he have known his melody would provide guidance on a cloudy Tuesday night in 2015?
I did as JT told me to do; I closed my eyes.
It’s funny how we see so much more when we do that.
…
THIRTY YEARS AGO, Harrison Ford (who is about to resurrect his role as Han Solo in “Star Wars”), played a big a big-city cop who has takes temporary refuge in Amish country, where faith and family means more than fame and fortune.
In a critical scene late in "Witness," tragedy strikes. The old farmer who Ford lives with sent out a cry for help. Using what we see in an old schoolhouse or a church, he rang the bell.
Within seconds, help came from all directions.
This image came to mind as I sat at my computer, eyes closed, listening to the words of James Taylor.
Keep your head together/
And call my name out loud/
Soon I’ll be knocking upon your door
It was the image I then talked about at young Joe’s funeral. I talked about the movie and said I am prompted to look around and help those who need healing. I also want to encourage everyone everywhere, in any stage of life, to reach out in times of trouble.
Ring the bell.
I say it again: Ring the bell.
Believe there is always hope, I said. Believe there is always comfort, I added, particularly in the love and support of a loved one we can always call ‘Friend.’
…
BEFORE EVERY SPRINGBORO football game, there is a moment (for all those who choose to participate) to appreciate loved ones and seek protection for everyone on both sides of the field. I took this photo before the Homecoming Game in October.
Afterward, they broke to the cry of one simple word: “Family.”
That's what this team and this community has shown itself to be.
Winter, spring, summer or fall/
All you’ve got to do is call/
And I’ll be there, yes, I’ll be there/
You’ve got a friend.