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It was just over 6 years ago this month that my son Joey told me that I really should listen to this local kid on American Idol. He said he was from around where we used to live, that he was LDS and that he was a very impressive singer. Joey has never let me forget how skeptical I was, and how very reluctantly I sat with folded arms, a doubtful expression on my face as he brought a YouTube video up on my computer and brought DA into my life.
Since then, my sons have teased me somewhat and wondered a time or two. But they are mostly supportive of my support of DA. Joey even got to meet him before he left (at a place where Joey works) and had the chance to tell him that he completely supported him in his decision to serve a mission.
Now Joey has gone and returned. And he and his friends, (some other LDS young men who had returned from their own missions) formed a musical group called Argyle. For several years they have traveled, sang, and performed all around Utah.
Although I love almost all their music, I have my favorites. One of these is “New Heights,” which tells the tale of a returned missionary meeting up with a girl he had left behind.
So now we have come full circle. DA is now the one who is returning… to all of us he “left behind.” He has new plans. He has dreams, goals, and some challenges (I am sure) awaiting him.
But I am also sure that he is full of that same wonder, that same drive, that same spontaneous generosity of spirit and energy of soul that he had when he left. Only now… Wow. That is all I can say: Wow!!
In my mind, I hear him say, as the men of Argyle say in their song: “Hey! How are You!? I know it’s been a couple years….”
And I am ready to “jump” into the deep end, “fly” to the horizon, and accompany him, in my own way and with my own heart, as he begins to “chase all of (his) dreams.”
God bless you, DA, in this new chapter of your life. Because I do believe the words of the song:
“I didn’t ever want to let you go, but back then I had to be alone. Please understand. I know it wasn’t fair to you. But, back then I wasn’t ready. Now I am!!!”
I do believe you are, DA. And we will need all the ballast we can manage to stay afloat in the waves of fun rising on the horizon. I do believe.
Bluesky is a staff writer for The Voice.
The Voice David Archuleta 