Stop This Train

“I know John Mayer and I would be best friends if he met me.” says Erica in full sincerity. A claim she has made since she started listening to his podcast in 2018. I sort of believe her. They have the same sense of humor and who hasn’t befriended Erica when meeting her?

While I do appreciate John’s sense of humor, I have become a huge fan of his lyric writing and guitar playing over the years. So it was a great privilege for Erica and I to see her “best friend who she has never met” perform live last night. This moment was a long time coming as we had previously seen John in 2019 but had to give away our concert tickets twice over the past 4 years due to Erica’s health. (We did get to see him as the front man of Dead and Co last summer, but those are not his songs and a completely different vibe).

So, with Erica in her wheelchair and the help from our son Christian and his girlfriend Lauren, we navigated the crowd to the front section seats where we sat just under the jumbo video. Her hero larger than life just feet away. Unfortunately, I had not taken in account the better side for her good ear. But the music was more than loud enough and brought smiles, and an occasional whoo-hoo, from her all concert long.

This event came on a rough day. She just had treatment on Wednesday, so we are in the stretch of days where fatigue is at the highest. She requires 12+ hours of sleep, everything is more painful and movement is much more difficult. Erica continues to amaze me with her courage and commitment to live life to the fullest of her ability.

During the concert, Lauren asked me my favorite John Mayer song. I did not have a quick reply because he has covered so many styles, life moments and emotions for us through the years. But recently, I’ve been greatly moved by ‘Stop This Train‘, a song that challenges the non-stop journey of life. In the bridge, John asks his father how to stop the train, to which his father replies, “Don’t stop this train. Don’t for a minute change the place you’re in.”

I thank God that I know where our train is heading and celebrate every memory along the way.

(For those interested, I’ve posted a clip below of why I insist on seeing John Mayer live whenever possible).