Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A dedication:

Today, my father returned home and requested my mother locate and print lyrics to a song. He explained: Twice, in the last 2 months, he has driven Joel to the hospital. Both times, the same song played on the car radio. Both times, Joel turned the song up and asked Dad to listen to the words. Both times, Dad was distracted... stressed, upset, tired and (I'm sure) convinced Joel was confused or disoriented.
This morning, the same song played once again, while Dad was alone in his vehicle. He turned up the volume and listened, as Joel had asked him twice before.

The song,
was "Unwell" by Matchbox 20.

After hearing the lyrics, Dad realized Joel was trying to tell him something. As you can imagine, Dad is devastated to learn he did not 'hear' his child. After mom told me this story, I was very moved and asked to print the lyrics on my blog.

Except printing the lyrics, would not give this moment the significance it deserves. I spent this evening creating this video, as a dedication to my brother.

Joel-
We are all listening.
I am sorry, you had to ask twice.

11 comments:

Coach said...

Goosebumps!!

Unknown said...

Breaks my heart!

Anonymous said...

Holy Crap!!! Coach totally beat me to the goosebumps. -Worhol

em said...

For the first time I listened--really listened to those lyrics--and I'm moved again--as I have been by your posts about your brother's/family's struggles with the mysterious mind--and I don't even know you guys. Praying for you all.......because my God is always listening......

Sweetbreads Bailey said...

WOW....powerful. Constantly thinking of Joel, and you, and your family. Prayers.

Flag Girl said...

This makes my heart hurt....
Joel, Mom, Dad, and sister are constantly in my thoughts....

Anonymous said...

Wow! em is right, you have people praying for you that you don't even know. God hears every prayer and counts every tear drop. Will continue to uplift your family. Mrs's Mom.

Chili said...

I have listened to that song for a long time and always wondered who actually wrote the lyrics and if they were really ill. That song puts the issue of mental health in perspective. Desperately in search of what we perceive as "normal". My thoughts are with Joel and your entire family.

Doc said...

Amazing...I've heard that song a million times and sang along but never really listened to the lyrics. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family

Munchkin said...

I'm with Chili, I've always listened to that song and wondered who wrote it or if it was actually about what I thought it was about. Either way, I'm not sure there has ever been a song better to describe a situation. Makes me want to hug all four of you.

Tru Stories said...

I very much appreciate every one of your comments. It means the world to my family. I hope Joel is able to hear your prayers and heal.
I hope this video touched many hundreds of people and was able to change their opinion about the mentally ill, in a positive way.
Thank-you.