And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can
-Simple Man, Lynrd Skynrd (written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington)
.
I heard this song today and it took me back to that day 30 years ago when Andy died.*
A group of friends gathered at Saffire lake with our families for an end of summer cookout. Burgers, dogs, friends and fun. Nellie was a single mother with 3 children who was making it work on her own. Her children- 9 year old Myra, 13 year old Robbie and 16 year old Andy- were smart, independent, and well-behaved.
Late in the day two men struggled with their boat and fell overboard. They appeared to be in distress, and both Andy and Robbie swam out to help. They were able to help the two men, then head back to shore. Robbie made it. Andy didn’t. After scouring the waters and the shore, the Rescue Squad was called.
We sat on the shore for what seemed like forever, feeling helpless. Late that night they found Andy’s body a mile downstream.
Several of us went with Nellie to the local hospital to wait for them to bring in Andy’s body. She had to identify him, and she didn’t want to be alone. Another long wait, this time in a concrete room that smelled of antiseptic. By this point we were all numb, especially Nellie.
The entire time we sat there and waited, all I could think about was how fast things can change. One minute you’re spitting watermelon seeds with your daughter, the next you’re screaming your son’s name over and over again and praying to Jesus to hear him respond.
After seeing her son’s bloated body, she lost it. The hospital staff sedated her and a family member drove her home and stayed with her.
At the funeral service, Nellie had them play Simple Man. She said that’s all she’d ever wanted for her boys. I remember her sitting there, acting stoic for her other children as she said good-bye to her firstborn son.
We lost contact soon after that, so I don’t know what became of Nellie. Sorry, Andy, I didn’t keep my promise. But I know that song has had a profound effect on me, and since that day all I’ve wanted for all kids is they grow up to live a simple but purposeful life. I hope Nellie’s other two children were able to find that for themselves.
When I hear this song I feel grounded. I am reminded that living a good life is not about having the right job, lots of things or lots of money. Living a good life is to be satisfied with what is. Today. Because today is all you really have, isn’t it?
It also reminds me that it’s not the rich or those who aspire to be that will make the world a better place. It won’t be the one with the most guns or most social media followers. And it certainly won’t be those of us who remain angry at the hand we were dealt, and think through rage and intimidation that we can change the world.
But perhaps those of us who choose to live a simple life will encourage the others to put aside their grievances and love their fellow man.
I want to be a simple woman.
I want to wear jeans and tees in the summer, sweats in the winter.
I want a home that’s filled with laughter and love. And pet hair.
I want to say what I mean and mean what I say.
I want to do what I love, not what’s expected.
I want to be grateful for what I have, not covet what I don’t.
I want to be satisfied with this day.
*Names have been changed
Dogpaddling Through Life 
Wonderful reminder of what is truly important in life. Especially pet hair!
>
Pet hair is vital- unless you have a Sphynx cat, that is.
It’s funny, this song came to mind over the weekend, especially that verse. My freshman year in college, I’d run away from my family to be there, but didn’t know who I was. Who could argue with this? I’m sorry for Nellie’s loss, and the shock that all of you suffered.
There are some powerful messages within the genre of Southern rock. Don’t much care for the flag-wavin’ shit, but this song I love.
Awesome post and a great reminder! Love Bug asked me last night how old her grandpa was when he died. When I answered she said “but that’s only one year older than you mumma”. I’m grateful for every single day. X
As am I. Take care, you guys!
What happened to Andy and how it changed your life, seeing what’s important… today is all we have is so true. Thank you for this. ❤
Thanks. Living in the now is where I choose to be today.
I think it would make a difference if we would all be “simple” people. We could surely make a difference in the world.
Alas, all I can do is live that life myself, and hope some of the rest of you catch on.
Sad story, but what a great wish for all kids to just grow up simple…. if only it were that simple.
Well, not when you have to engage in this sport and that activity so you can go to the right college, then get the right career, then have the right spouse and a good-looking family. It’s all so mind-boggling how they don’t all fall out from strokes. Poor kids, on the other hand, get the message they won’t ever amount to anything anyway so why bother? Is no one taught anymore to be satisfied?
Touching Story. Beautiful Message in it. I wish I could forward this to all people who I know.
The Most True Life that One can Live is a Simple, God-Loving and Purposeful Life.
These words touched my soul.
Living a good life is to be satisfied with what is. Today. Because today is all you really have, isn’t it?
Until someone invents a time machine, I think we’re stuck in today. 🙂
Great Story, I to feel grounded and revived at the same time when I hear this song. There is nothing better than loving the Lord , appreciating the simple things in life and being satisfied in the moment. Being happy with what you have right now today.
thanks for sharing this story…the simple things are the things what count… always…
A great reminder to be mindful and grateful. I’m trying so hard to get better at this, especially as my kids get older.
A beautiful and poignant story. I love your lyrics! Peace sister. ☮️
Back at ya my friend!
A moving post, beautifully written. I lost a young friend, tragically, who deeply loved Lynyrd Synyrd and for whom this song in particular was an anthem. He lived it and his is greatly missed. His fiance had them play Free Bird at his funeral. It was fitting. Your list of the things you want in life resonates with me. I want those things too, and to be free of the distractions that can prevent us from having them. Thanks for the reminder this morning and for your wise reflections
I’m sorry for your loss. Enjoy today in his honor.
Worthy goal.
I love these lyrics they are so inspiring Xx