“Let It Be Me”
As kids, we’re taught to be independent. We learn how to look both ways before we cross the street, not only so that we know to be safe, but so that we can do it alone.
Sometime along the way, most people begin to struggle to ask for help when they really do need it. I know I’m not alone when I say that it’s hard for me. So difficult that I never asked for help when I needed it the most: not even from my mother; not even when she pleaded with me to let her.
Today, I’m in my 30’s. I’m just learning how to ask for help.
I’m also a parent, facing my own desires to push my kids towards becoming their own people. At times, I forget to focus my teachings on encouraging them to ask for help when they need it, too.
It’s okay to ask for help. It’s natural to need it. We can’t, and shouldn’t, always stand alone.
As Ray LeMontagne says in his (most beautiful IMHO) song, Let It Be Me:
“There comes a time
A time in everyone’s life
Where nothing seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right
There may come a time
You just can’t seem to find your place
For every door you open
Seems like you get two slammed in your face
That’s when you need someone
Someone that you, you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you can’t go on
Let it be me
…
If it’s a friend that you need
…
Let it be me”
Please note: The lyrics are not as quoted online, but as I hear them. Perhaps I am incorrect. Perhaps I am not. Listen and judge for yourself.