Country music

I remember the first time, standing in my new living room, I heard the deep voice of Josh Turner and the strains of country music coming from outside. I leaped to the window to see where the music was coming from and was shocked to discover it was coming from my neighbor's little shop. I put on a wrap and went down to check it out.

"You're listening to country!" I exclaimed.

He gave a gentle grin and said, "Yes, it's my favorite music."

"Me too!" I grinned at him, then stood watching the music video on his computer screen as we both listened to the familiar sounds.

I quickly got used to hearing him play country music at all hours of the day. Assuming the power was on, he was either playing the Quran, local pop music, or American country music. He didn't speak English, but listening to American country was definitely his happy place. I brought him baked goods and we'd chat about anything and everything. But he never showed a particular interest in the good news.

While I was in the US I got news that my old neighbor had been taken to the French island and was in the hospital. I got updates about him every week or two, and was especially concerned when I heard his wife had come to join him. Then he was transported to a major hospital further abroad and I wondered if I'd ever see him again.

It turns out I didn't. A week after returning to Clove Island I got the news that he'd passed away. The next day I hung out most of the day at the funeral events. Although he was buried in France, they did the ritual prayers on Clove Island, and we received his widow when she arrived. 

I wonder what impact our conversations ever had on him. Funerals for those who know the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life are an easier affair. But for those who only know American country... well... it's depressing.

Now his wife is left a widow, his adopted daughter is without a dad. And, will they see the importance of knowing more than just country music? Will they be in a better place when it comes their time to pass from this world into eternity? This remains to be seen.