The Everette Series 3/6: Nathan/Dad)

(THE EVERETTE SERIES 3/6: Nathan/Dad)

A poignant silence fell as the musician stepped to the mic to close out what had been a holy experience, a possibly once-in-a-lifetime concert for our entire family. It hadn’t been more than a wisp of a dream the year before.

But then a peal of maniacal laughter rang out in the stillness of the auditorium, shattering that solemn moment. Well, maybe shattering for some. Truthfully I felt a moment of brief embarrassment in a sea of strangers as my son erupted in rapturous, unbridled joy, expressing himself as only he can.

My unease vanished as I realized that his loudness meant something far more significant, something unknown to the crowd around us.

Let me back up a little.

Almost three years prior, a full year before Covid disrupted the world, Everett had been diagnosed with Leukemia. The way back to health for him meant an arduous road of chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, and isolation from others that might get him sick. It also meant that we had to learn how to walk with him through it all.

But despite the medicines and the procedures and the toll it took on his body to recover, his joyful spirit continued shining through his smile.

And his loud, startling laughter.

So in that concert moment, Everett’s outburst of appreciation was really his way of saying, “I’m still here.”

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