God Watch Over You (Paddy McAloon) - 4:34 rating: ***** stars
I'll be the first to admit that I've been very blessed in my life. I frequently wonder why I've been given a wonderful family; a job I like, and a sense of comfort. While I seldom understand the challenges, opportunities, or experiences I'm confronted with, I try to appreciate them all. Admittedly, some experiences are better than others, but they all seem to have some purpose - what those purposes may be is part of the mystery.
It may have something to do with the fact that when you turn 60, you suddenly realize that there are only so many innings in the game and then it's over. (By the way, that was a tribute to the late Joseph White - more about Mr White in a minute). Admittedly there have been more than my share of missed opportunities and regrets. And here's the story of one of those regrets.
It starts with me sitting on my deck reading a travel book, having a Blue Moon and listening to random songs on YouTube. Out of the blue Prefab Sprout's 'God Watch Over You" came on the radio. I like Paddy McAloon and Prefab Sprout, but I'd never heard this particular track. That said, the soothing melody and unique lyrics grabbed me by the throat. While his melodies are occasionally a bit on the sound-alike side, McAoon writes some of the most interesting lyrics I've ever heard (okay, 'King of Rock and Roll' may be an exception). In this case Iinstantly put the book down and hit replay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxvnoAR_AcA
And while I was sitting there soaking in McAloon's thoughtful lyrics I was struck by a huge wave of unexpected regret.
Here's the back story. My younger son is a Boy Scout and in the Summer of 2018 his Troop spent two weeks in Kandersteg, Switzerland. The trip was largely arranged and coordinated by Joseph White. Probably best known as a sportswriter for the Washington Post, White was a long-standing member of the Troop, having participated in dozens of the Troop's camping trips and other activities, He'd also coordinate four or five previous Kandersteg trips for the Troop, but this was the first one we'd participated in.
While I knew Mr. White from Troop meetings, I'll readily admit I didn't know him well. Over the years my son's been a member of this Troop, I've probably never had a conversation with Mr. White that last more than 20 minutes. That said, he was sharp as a tack; had insights into all kinds of subjects (how many folks do you know that could teach a Troop of young Scouts and their parents how to play Cricket); he was quick to laugh; had a strong sense of right and wrong, seemed to have more friends than anyone I've ever met, and was great with the Scouts. He was in fantastic physical shape (trying to keep up with him on training hikes for the Switzerland trip almost killed me). He was also quirky. Not quirky in a bad way; rather quirky in a cool, entertaining fashion.
While i won't lie and tell you I loved every minute of the Switzerland trip (two weeks in a crappy tent was challenging and for a picky eater the camp food was frequently lackluster to my tastes), there were plenty of amazing moments and seeing my younger son effortlessly cruise through all of the challenges and make friends with a host of foreign Scouts was worth all of my personal discomfort.
In the wake of the trip I meant to send Mr. White a note thanking him for arranging the trip. Summer faded into Winter and I meant to send him a Christmas card with my thanks. Winter came and went. Spring; Summer ... In June I had to drive to Front Royal, Virginia (close to where Mr. White had settled and was operating a store), and while coming home I reminded myself to send him a note. Again, no note. Every time I thought about sending him a note, I'd put it off.
Only 56, Joseph White died August 10th, 2019.
Members of Troop 1018 Kandersteg August 2018 (Jim White head own studying schedule)
Mr. White - I wish I'd told you earlier - thank you for arranging the Switzerland trip. I will hold the memories close to my heart until the day I pass.
