May God's Love Be With You

A year ago right now, Aaron and I had our last discussion in frustration. Gone was the anger. He had inspired me to change my habits. Others were helping me change my character. Through the grace of God, I was becoming the Dad Aaron needed most, when he needed a Dad most. Aaron decided to leave our home and called a friend to pick him up. He had a week before turning 18 and it was time for Aaron to be on his own.

At 6:30 am, April 29th, Aaron called me. He'd been up all night talking with his friend. Aaron had reached the summit; he'd seen the light and was excited to tell me his final decision. We agreed that I would go to work, he would sleep and we would sit down in the evening to talk. Twelve hours later the conversation went something like this:

Aaron: Danny and I talked. He told me I need to make some changes. And, I agree. This is your house. Your rules. I have to follow your rules. I need to be responsible for myself...stop taking. I was wrong to take your car. I have a car and I need to pay for it. I need to clean up after myself and be respectful. I can't go anywhere until I'm ready. I need to finish high school, follow the rules. Stay clean and get on with my life. I have to stay away from some people. I can do it. I'm commited to doing the right thing.

Me: So what are you going to do?

Aaron: I'm tired. I think I'll take a shower and go to bed.

Me: That's good. I love you, Man. Thanks.

Aaron: Love you too. See ya later.

For the next ten and a half days, life with Aaron was perfect.

The Lyrics belong to Joseph Arthur. The feelings are mine.

I picture you in the sun wondering what went wrong
And falling down on your knees asking for sympathy
And being caught in between all you wish for and all you seen
And trying to find anything you can feel that you can believe in
May god’s love be with you
Always
May god’s love be with you
I know I would apologize if I could see your eyes
’cause when you showed me myself I became someone else
But I was caught in between all you wish for and all you need
I picture you fast asleep
A nightmare comes
You can’t keep awake
May god’s love be with you
Always
May god’s love be with you
’cause if I find
If I find my own way
How much will I find
If I find
If I find my own way
How much will I find
YouI don’t know anymore
What it’s for
I’m not even sure
If there is anyone who is in the sun
Will you help me to understand
’cause I been caught in between all I wish for and all I need
Maybe you’re not even sure what it’s for
Any more than me
May god’s love be with you
Always
May god’s love be with you

Lyrics by Joseph Arthur

I wish I knew where to find you tonight. We miss you so much Aaron.
Where have all the Good Times gone?

Love you.
Dad