We love our new little town. It’s called “Plain City” and I love that. It’s just a plain city. No flash. No sizzle. Just a plain city like the one I grew up in.
We still have a Main Street. It is small, simple, and perfect. It reminds me of when life was simple, and of the people who live here, all of whom feel the same way.
A few months ago, my wife pointed out that a music singer named Brandon Heath was coming to a local place for a concert. We loved his music a few years ago, so we bought the tickets without knowing what the evening would have in store.
Last night we attended the concert, but before I get to that, let me take you back about a week.
It’s no secret that I have a few tattoos. My girls do too. They are personal, and many of mine are for them. If you want to know my story or hear about my kids, ask me about my tattoos.
Last week I sent both of my girls designs for our next tattoos. Both girls are graduating soon. Princess 1.0 with her Master’s and Princess 2.0 with her Bachelor’s. I’m so proud of them both. Maybe that is why I want to make a memory with more tattoos.
I sent this design to Princess 2.0 because it is one of my favorite memories and pictures. We were in Outerbanks flying a kite. I just love that she was there with me. In the moment, we were enjoying something as simple as flying a kite. I love that she trusted me and that she was by my side. She didn’t know I had no idea what we were doing. But we got it in the air. We made a memory. Together.
So that was the minimal tattoo design.
Back to last night.
Brandon Heath was amazing. He explained each song and shared the heart and why he wrote them. Then he did a song I have never heard by him called “Neverland.” He told the story about how he wrote it for his baby girl. He wanted her to know that…..
Some people say “never say never”
Some people don’t understand
Dads come from Neverland
He went on to explain that dads never leave. They are with you always even when they are far away.
On brand, I cried.
I thought of my baby girls and my son. I thought about how I have always tried to be there. Even when not physically, I hope they always know I am with them in NEVERland.
This morning I pulled up the song on Spotify and was amazed to see that the video he has for the song has a dad…..flying a kite…..with his kids.
Tears.
I’m jacked up. I have made so many mistakes. Their capacity for grace far exceeds my understanding, but I pray they always know that……
Darlin, ‘ I’ll love you forever
I’m never changing my mind
I’ll never be perfect
But I’ll never stop trying
Some people say “never say never”
Some people don’t understand
Dads come from Neverland
Last story. A dear friend of mine from our small group was also at the concert. I was on the struggle bus, crying to the lyrics. I looked up, and across the room, our dear friend was smiling at me. She pointed, smiled, and she knew. It was a moment. It was an acknowledgement that, of all the songs Brandon sang, that one got me.
She knew I come from Neverland.
It was the greatest compliment she could give with just a smile and a point.
Thank you, Brandon Heath, for your music and your message.
Time to schedule that next tattoo.
AARON CONRAD 