Jack Johnson provided the lyrics. Compassionate Friends provided the bench.
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
I was sitting, waiting, wishing You believed in superstitions
Then maybe you would see the signs
But lord knows that this world is cruel
And I ain’t the lord no I’m just a fool
Learning loving somebody Don’t make them love you
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you?
Must I always be playing, playing your fool?
I sang your songs I danced your dance
I gave your friends all a chance
But putting up with them Wasn’t worth never having you
Maybe you’ve been through this before
But it’s my first time so please ignore
The next few lines because they’re directed at you
I can’t always be waiting, waiting on you
I can’t always be playing, playing your fool
I keep playing your part
But it’s not my scene
Want this plot to twist I’ve had enough mystery
You keep building it up But then you’re shooting me down
But I’m already down
Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting
Well if I was in your position
I’d put down all my ammunition
I’d wonder why it had taken me so long
But lord knows that I’m not you
And if I was I wouldn’t be so cruel
Because waiting on love Ain’t so easy to do
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you?
Must I always be playing, playing your fool?
As a young man Aaron loved Jack Johnson. As a little boy he loved Vilas Park and the Zoo. This exact location of this Compassionate Friends Bench of names is a place where Aaron played on school trips and family outings. On Memorial Day 2006, as the bench was being dedicated to 52 sons and daughters who had their names added this year, we listened to beautiful songs, thoughtful comments, muffled crying, and children's shouts and laughter. The air was comfortable with spring aromas. A breeze drifted through the trees. An appropriate mix of sound, warmth, and emotion sort of wrapped us up.
After the service we went down to State Street. Aaron used to take Patrick down there for shopping trips to buy old school shirts and guy stuff. A shop they last visited to look at Frisbees for frisbee golf is on State Street. Patrick noticed the address is 510. Coincidently, Aaron died on 5-10.
The bench is in the shade, near the giant shoe, next to the Zoo and near Lake Wingra. A fine place to Sit, Wait and Wish.
Tom
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