Bridge Over

Forty years ago in January I was at Ft. Campbell KY and it seemed that every few mornings at breakfast Simon and Garfunkel's song Bridge Over Troubled Waters would be playing on the radio. Somehow it was comforting during Basic Training. I had already liked their music for about 5 years!

As I consider their lyrics today my inner-cynic wonders whether the words are less about friendship and more about addiction to heroin? For some time there was actual speculation about a hidden heroin meaning including representation of the "Silver Girl", in drug lingo, the needle delivering relief. There is and was no truth to the story of the hidden drug culture message in this song.

Still, the cynic had to make sure so I tracked down the S&G's comments. Haven't met anyone who did not like the song.

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.

Nonetheless I am suspicious of all the words and actions of the addict! With good reason. Friday we were faced the dilemma of filing a police complaint for theft -- probably a felony charge. Like many parents we struggled over the effect of a police record on job prospects once one's life gets turned around. We have a little experience with that in the past.

Once again we blinked. With her consent we are trying to admit Sarah in yet another Recovery Program followed by S&S heading to the cottage in Michigan for a few months away. My guess is those months will be a crucible --- the cottage is the heat resistant container; inside I expect a lot of heat to forge Sarah's future. I cannot imagine Sarah or Susan's oddessy yet we'll take things one day at a time. Thirty days or so in-patient recovery followed by 30 - 60 days Michigan winter isolation and then slow reentry. That's the plan.

Then what? I don't know, perhaps they'll stay for the Summer and make plans for school in the Fall. That would be a good outcome.

Look for twists and turns. The destination will change; the maze to the future will take many paths; the destination is less clear than my forecast! My expectations are low, concerns high. Risk and disruption are high, probability of success is low. The options are few. But the future really is not in our hands. Can Sarah's brain, heart, and addiction be turned? Unknown.

Friday I was so frustrated with the destructive and the co-dependent behaviors, it took 10 hours to find the trail to tomorrow. Let go and let God ....

If you need a friend I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.