“Oh I get by with a little help from my friends”

2017 marks 50 years ago that The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album that is not only often hailed as their greatest work, but some would argue is the greatest rock album of all time. Following a bombastic entrance on the first track, the mood shifts as the band hands vocal duties over the unlikeliest member of the fab four – the drummer. Channeling “Billy Shears,” Ringo mournfully asks “What would you do if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me?” Of course we know the song as “With A Little Help From My Friends” which as it turns out was the theme of my weekend.

As much as I could talk about the Langley wedding (which was a wonderful experience) and the staff at Boondocks (who were incessantly hospitable) and round 2 of the Elegant Bridal Expo, I think it’s more important for me to discuss how the band held me up this weekend. You see, about once a year (and usually around this time) I have an annual appointment with a severe case of lower back pain. This was quite memorable last September as I was in excruciating pain as I officiated a wedding in Springfield one morning and then joined Fun DMC in Litchfield for a wedding reception later that night.

When I woke up on Saturday morning I knew exactly what was happening and what to expect. That familiar tightness in my lower left back that ranges from a dull ache to excruciating sharp piercing was both present and persistent. Knowing I had 48 hours of “being on” to look forward to, I braced myself for what was surely going to be a very painful and agonizingly long weekend. I messaged the band and let them know my condition but that I would be arriving on time but likely moving slow. When I did arrive the band had already unloaded the trailer and were making quick progress on set up. The Kamerads had brought along a bag full of heating pads and other pain management accessories and Dr. Albert had a Theragun with him. The rest of the band made sure I wasn’t lifting or moving anything I shouldn’t be lifting or moving and I spent quite a bit of time in the green room wrapped in a heating pad.

I really hate being in this condition. I would much rather be helping my band mates and friends with set up, show time, and tear down. But sometimes you just have to lean on your friends a little more than your pride might want in order to make it through the weekend. And I did make it through the weekend – with a little help from my friends.