The Free Fall: Tom's Story
Published October 14, 2008
I love how music enhances so much in our lives. Favorite tunes streaming from earbuds motivate me through workouts. Housework is bearable when I turn on the stereo. And many a decent TV show or movie is made that much better by a well thought-out soundtrack. Something about the pairing of song and scene makes the movie and the music that much more memorable.
One of those pairings that I connect with is Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” from Jerry Maguire. This song has enough merit on its own with the rolling melody and catchy lyrics, but the movie elevated it even further. Jerry (Tom Cruise) has just left a positive meeting with a nearly-signed client, and he’s clearly on top of the world. While driving, he hears Petty’s song on his car radio and as he beats out a joyous tattoo on his steering wheel, it’s hard not to get caught up in his high spirits. And from then on, whenever I heard that song, I felt the same. Pretty damn good.
A year ago this month, I had a very similar “Jerry Maguire” moment. On a beautiful and unseasonably warm October Friday, I was driving to New Hampshire’s White Mountains with my then 12-year-old son, Tom. My husband and older son were a few minutes ahead of us on the highway. We were all going to an annual family reunion for the long Columbus Day weekend and with the 78º weather I was able to put the top down on my convertible. It was a glorious afternoon.
As we made our way north on Rt. 93, I alternated between Celtic punk, folk, gospel, and hip-hop CDs. But before I lost reception in the mountains, I had on good old FM radio. When Petty’s song came on, it was just what I needed to put some nagging health issues out of my mind. Earlier that week, my Tom had not been feeling that great. Nothing horrible, fatigue and a mildly upset stomach mostly. We chalked it up to a new school schedule and a new paper route. And one day when he was at his most tired, I swore his eyes looked yellowish. I’m always one to over-worry so I tried to not get too worked up.
But we were on vacation! We were looking forward to seeing the extended family, and the beautiful foliage. And it really was a nice weekend. So it hit me, as I drummed on my steering wheel, and sang along with Petty, laughing at the strange looks my son gave me, it was one of those moments that made you feel it can’t get any better than this.
- The Free Fall: Tom's Story
- Published: October 14, 2008
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Culture
- Filed Under: Culture: Family and Relationships, Culture: Personal History
- Writer: Mary K. Williams
- Mary K. Williams's BC Writer page
- Mary K. Williams's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
Mary, wonderful piece. Even already knowing pieces of the story, I was still moved by it and your writing. You should have saved this for Wednesday :P
btw, do you know where I can get some incidental world music?
Thanks G. I appreciate your words. As far as the incidental world music, I'm pretty clueless?
Great piece, Mary. My interest was split in half. Part of me was thinking about the compelling story of your son, Tom, and what you all went through. Hope he continues to improve and stay healthy. I also hope the full range of emotions you went through (the anxiety and worry and love and dedication) helps the three of you remain close throughout your entire lives.
Your piece also made me think of some of the special or notable moments in my life that were accompanied by a "soundtrack." I'll never forget that Christmas Day 15 years ago when my now 19 year old daughter and I slow danced to the closing song of her new Beauty and the Beast video, my eyes filled with tears. Or those times when me and my 3 kids would crank up the stereo and dance wildly to Stevie Ray Vaughn or The Pretenders in the den. Or the times when we would drive out to the airport in the evening to give Mom a break and sit and watch planes take off and land while listening to Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Fleetwood Mac (which to this day we refer to as "Airport Music"). Or last spring when my 15 year old daughter heard "Hey There, Delilah" on the radio on the way to school and I got to hear her in a moment of weakness actually sing in her beautiful voice. And so many others....thanks for stirring up those memories.
Mary,
Thanks for sharing a sliver of what you and your family have gone through in the last year. You have been through so much. Living with uncertainty is challenging and when it is your child it makes everything so much more intense. Because we as parents want to take away their pain, and sadness, and disappointments, and wish we could trade places with them which we would do in an instant. I wish happiness, health, and healing for you and your family
Wow. That was awesome Mary (I mean the writing and the story, not the horrible ordeal.) I, too, knew most of that story but to hear it all in one take...well my heart goes out to you. You and your family have been in my thoughts for some time, but now even more so.
Mitch: Thanks, as always, for your support. And a big thank you for sharing your special memories.
Dr. Juliann - I appreciate you taking the time to read here. There were times when things were tough, when we tried to calm Tom's fears, limit his anxiety. But he was also a source of strength as well. Today is the day we go back for another visit at the hospital. I have no doubts that Tom will ask all sorts of questions and press for answers. He's good like that. (drives me crazy when has the same sort of stubborn streak in getting a new video game) : )
And Sir Mat - If I didn't say it then, I appreciate the support of my Mondo Men. I love you guys! xo
Mary,
Let us know how everything went at the appointment today.
Juliann
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I am from Indonesia. I also incidental music. Indonesia has its own original music, the type of music as music Dangerman
from India. Dangerman never hear music?