James at 15

Every once in awhile, something will happen to me to remind me of the greater power of God in the universe, and that my desires and perceptions are but a speck in the Greater Scheme of Things.

My old band CenterAisle used to play at a place called the Rhythm Lounge in the Midway area near the Sports Arena. It was a dive, but it was a place that allowed us to basically play whenever there was a free date, so we were glad to take it. They had a doorman who worked there named John Hill, and he liked us. So much in fact that he offered a gig for us: a private party for his daughter Christina, who was going to be celebrating her Sweet 16 party in September of 2003.

I must admit that I wasn't too keen on doing the party. Being a forty-something rocker who liked music from the 70's - 80's, I did not relish playing for a bunch of kids who I felt would not appreciate what we did. But John, and especially his wife Brenda, were persistent. John really talked us up to Brenda, and she really wanted us to play. She insisted that Christina would like us. So, after much gnashing of teeth on my part, as well as prodding from some of the other members of CenterAisle, I reluctantly agreed. The fact that they were willing to pay us helped me to accept this as a job.

So gig day comes up and we arrive, setup, and sure enough, the kids pretty much avoid us like the plague. There were a couple of them who, just to be nice, really made an effort to listen to us, but it was pretty obvious that we weren't their cup of tea. Oh well. We just kept playing in their living room while the kids played in the pool.

We had three sets worth of material to play, and after 2 1/2 sets, suddenly the kids started showing up to give us a listen. They started having fun. They started dancing. It became a pretty fun gig toward the end there. The set ended and it was time to go, but the kids wanted us to stay. Hey, they were just getting started! Well, it was getting late for us old geezers, but we agreed to play a couple of slow numbers to allow the couples to dance.

Christina danced with her boyfriend James Curry-Long. Before the gig, John talked to me at length about James. I could tell John really liked him, and his words conveyed to me that he was a great kid. And as James and Christina danced, I could see the love there. These two kids were really fond of each other.

We finished the gig, packed up, and left. It was done. Time marched on. Shortly thereafter, CenterAisle broke up.

About three months ago we were informed of some tragic news. A couple of weeks after the party, James was killed by a hit and run driver while on his way to a seminary class. Brenda informed me that the party became a big milestone in her daughter's life, as that party was the last time Christina and James would dance together.

Yes, that was their last dance. It was a tragedy. But in tragedy there are always silver linings and lessons to be learned. For me, there was a big lesson. I was a curmudgeon in accepting this gig, and in the end it became a defining moment in someone's life. And participating in that defining moment is something to be proud of in the Greater Scheme of Things.

But proud I'm not. I am ashamed that my thoughts were selfish. In the end, despite my best efforts to resist, I was given an opportunity to play a small part in one important crossroad in the journey we call life. And it had nothing to do with my acumen or whatever. God was in control and put me in this situation - and I am thankful that I was able to be a part of this. As saddened as I am that this young man's fate came to a tragic end, I am thankful that I was able to participate in a cherished memory of this fine young man.

How tragic would it have been if we didn't take that gig? How tragically selfish indeed.

It's been about 8 months since James's untimely death. I keep in contact with Brenda, and Christina is still deeply affected by this, and of course that is understandable. I hope that she can someday find peace with this. My prayers are with her and the whole family.

Brenda closed out an e-mail to me recently with something very telling. She mentioned that the kids were all bummed at the end of the gig, because they were a little late in coming around to us. They wished they would have "discovered" us a little sooner since they had so much fun at the end. There just wasn't enough time in the end. She closed with a laugh, stating "isn't that the way it always works out". Indeed it does Brenda. Indeed it does.

James Curry-Long was only 15 years old. His plans included mission work with his church, the military, and ultimately a family with Christina. A tragic loss, a young life cut down before it really got started.

James Curry-Long: 1988 - 2003