Stay

This song came from a hard lesson about what it means to actually show up for people. Listen to the lyrics and read a little deeper past some of the simplicity. I honestly think that all of us have been in a position to act differently when the brutality of mortality bears its weight in others lives around us.

A young family in our neighborhood lost their baby to SIDS. We knew them. We had said the words people say. "If you need anything just call." And then reality hit. Such a cop out due to the overthinking in our distracted or complacent minds.

They did not know what they needed. They were in shock. In survival mode. Asking them to identify a need was not helpful. It was another burden to stack on the pure torment their soul was battling with at that time. Who am I to even request that passively. Good intentions, yes. Half effort? Absolutely.

At the funeral, the father stood and said something that cut straight through the room. He said he did not know what he needed. He said stop asking. Just do something. Please. Just show up.

I watched my wife step into that space without hesitation. I vividly remember her making this so important to her and day in and day out for weeks it resonated in her existence. She scrubbed floors. Did laundry. Brought food. Sat quietly. Held space. She understood something I had missed too many times. I want to be like her when I grow up.

This song is a confession of that failure that we have all said at some point in our life.

The lyrics reflect what trauma sounds like from the inside. Do not ask me what I need. Do not say you are here and disappear. Do not leave your kindness halfway. Sit with me. Fold the clothes. Hold the weight.

This song changed how I try to live. I still miss it sometimes. Life gets busy. But I do not forget that moment. Love requires action. Presence matters more than words.