Kermit the Frog E-mailed me Today
When you’ve lived and worked in as many places with young people as I have over the years, you get to know lots of people. Some of them you know casually and others you get to know through more personal encounters.
In the ministry, and, come to think of it, in any helping profession, you just never know what kind of lasting impression you may have on a young person. Some let you know, but many do not.
Kermit the Frog – a popular children’s television character in the early 1980s – is one that I will remember forever.
Kermit, better known here as Berry, was a teenager when we met. He lived in Lancaster and was part of a youth group at a church my husband was serving as a minister.
The youth group was putting on a show as part of one of our many family events. Everyone was excited as the families gathered together. There was always LOTS of food at these kinds of gatherings. This one was no exception.
We had eaten and were well into the program when I spotted something green from the corner of my eye. As I turned to get a clearer look I could see it was someone in a Kermit the Frog costume. He went on to sing one of the songs that made Kermit famous and received a standing ovation for his humor, singing ability and stage presence. It was our young friend, Berry.
My husband and I had always hoped we would have children. He was great with young people and he and Berry hit it off right away. I remember Pierce said that he’d love to have a son just like Berry. They were good friends all the way through Pierce’s ministry there and the two of them kept in touch long after we left that church and moved to another area of South Carolina.
My husband died some years later and Berry and I lost touch. It was over 20 years later before he spotted me in a downtown Columbia restaurant. We had a chance to catch up and remember the good days in Lancaster.
Funny how things happen like that.
Berry sings today with a well known vocal group in the area and I’ve had a chance to hear them several times. I envision him in that green outfit when he sings today…even though his singing has taken him in a different direction.
“Kermit” sent me an e-mail today. His words touched me as I read them and recalled another important part of life…
Here are some things he said.
“I remember when Pierce’s father died. I was a junior in high school…Pierce asked me to go with him to help clean out his father’s condo. I was glad to do it…”
“It was an interesting time in my life – that transition from early adolescence to late adolescence, and on into a shaky early adulthood.”
“Looking back on that weekend I helped Pierce, it seems like one of the rare times I was with an adult that treated me as though I was an adult.
Pierce always did that.
Now that I’m older, I realize that the age difference between us couldn’t have been that great, but at that age, there were grown-ups and kids, and there was a pretty distinct line. We cleaned, and talked, and threw stuff out, and talked, and went to eat, and talked. I can’t remember a single conversation, or even a topic, but I remember being comfortable, and being listened to, and being respected for who I was.”
“My relationship with Pierce really did a lot to change my impression of ministers. Before I knew him – ministers seemed to be apart from people…not subject to the same world that lay people have to deal with. I think a lot of the population sees them that way – without the faults and human qualities of regular people. I think it’s a shame – and bad for both sides.”
“Pierce was real – and I’m glad I knew him. He shaped my relationships with all kinds of people since then, but especially with my priests. I appreciated that about him. I’m glad I knew him.”
“And I’m glad I know you.”
Berry
I really appreciated getting this e-mail from my friend “Kermit” and wanted to share it with you today. Thanks, Berry, for taking the time to write.
My wish for you today: That you realize the leaders in your faith community are human just like you are. They make mistakes, they have joys and sorrows, they are doing the best they can to serve their community and be spiritual leaders. I encourage you to get to know your faith leaders and thank them for their service. Your life will likely be enriched by that experience, just like Kermit’s.
~Joellen