“Lord, Protect My Child…”

   This phrase,” Lord, protect my child” was taken from an obscure Bob DYLAN composition It will become my newest prayer/mantra as today I feel pain for two families. Over the last few years we, my bride of 50 years and I, have been fortunate enough to retire. Before leaving our jobs we purchased a “second/vacation” home. There, at the idyllic place, over the course of many visits we became acquainted to other couples who enjoy the same benefits of getting away for the home base for a little while. Over time we became closer to these folks. 

   Within the last 12 hours I received two separate texts from/about each of those two families. Both families separately lost a son, sons who were grown men with families. The circumstances are vague to me at this moment but regardless I feel pain, not the pain they are experienced but pain nonetheless. My boys are both men, each strong and healthy in his own rite but I do go to sleep at night, every night praying…”Lord, protect my child” and I extend that to every one’s child. And to those who lost child, I pray for you.

   Usually, I am not at a loss for words when I see these couples, it is light banter thrown in with a few comments about how we look, are aging or about our favorite team beating their’s. Yet I know this time it will be very difficult to express my emotions to those whose heart actually breaks.

The whole world is asleep

You can look at it and weep

Few things you find are worthwhile

And though I don’t ask for much

No material things to touch

Lord, protect my child

(1983:BOB DYLAN)