Let it Be Me

So here's a great Thanksgiving occurrence.  I woke up this morning thinking about my friend Brad's family and how especially difficult the first holiday after a death is for people who experience loss.  I was also thinking about how little I can do to help really, besides feel bad too from a state away.

Brad and I had a couple of years where we didn't communicate very often. I guess we just both had busy lives, but when we reconnected we had a few conversations where he revealed some despair to me and I was so pleased that he had confided in me and so hopeful that our friendship could allow him some relief.  I sent him the Ray Lamontagne song called "Let it Be Me." I had missed our relationship so much.  I don't know that he ever even listened to it, but whatever the case, our quirky, sweet friendship was back where it belonged and it stayed that way until his death in July.

This Thanksgiving morning, after texting Brad's sister that I was thinking of her, I stumbled downstairs to start the holiday cooking.  I turned Pandora on because music helps both waking up and with cooking.  About the time she return texted me a picture of him, Pandora selected "Let it Be Me" to play.  Read whatever you want into it. It felt like a blessing to me. I'm grateful for the reminder of such a dear, gentle, funny, friend.

Lyrics and music below.

Let It Be Me

There comes a time
A time in everyone's life
When nothing seems to go their way
When nothing seems to turn out right
There may come a time 
You just can't seem to find your place
For every door you open 
Seems like you get two slammed in your face

That's when you need someone
Someone that you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Feels like you always coming up last
Pockets full of nothing
Ain't got no cash
Don't matter where you turn
You ain't got no place to stand
You reach out for something and they slap your hand

I remember all too well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you'd give anything
For just a little place you can call your own

That's when you need someone
Someone that you can call 
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me