The Man Who Said “Astral Weeks” Helped Him Grieve His Son

April 1, 2025

When Ben first heard Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks,” he was sitting alone in his dimly lit living room, the weight of grief pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. Just a few weeks prior, he had lost his son, Jamie, in a tragic accident. Jamie was only fifteen—full of dreams, laughter, and an undeniable spark that lit up every room. Now, with his son’s laughter silenced forever, Ben felt as if the world had turned gray. He had tried to cope with his loss, but nothing seemed to ease the gnawing sadness in his heart until that fateful afternoon when he stumbled upon Morrison’s music.

The first notes of “Astral Weeks” floated through the air, wrapping around Ben like a warm embrace. The song opened with soft acoustic guitar and gentle strings, pulling him into a world that felt different from his reality. He listened closely as the lyrics unfolded, telling stories of love, loss, and the beauty of life. In that moment, it was as if Morrison was speaking directly to him, guiding him through the fog of his grief. Ben found himself reflecting on his son—remembering the way Jamie used to sing along to his favorite songs, his voice soaring with the same passion that Morrison poured into his music. The connection between the music and his memories became a lifeline, helping him navigate the turbulent waters of his emotions.

As the songs flowed on, Ben realized that Morrison’s album was more than just music; it was a journey through pain and healing. Each track seemed to mirror his own feelings, from the deep sorrow of loss to the glimmers of hope that emerged in moments of reflection. The song “Sweet Thing,” with its themes of love and longing, reminded Ben of those carefree days spent with Jamie, who had a way of making even the simplest moments sparkle. He felt the tears streaming down his face, but they were no longer just tears of sorrow; they began to mix with a sense of release, as if the music was cleansing his heart of some of its heaviness.

In the weeks that followed, Ben became a regular listener of “Astral Weeks.” He would play it in the mornings as he sipped his coffee and during the quiet evenings when the house felt too silent. The music became a companion on his journey to healing. Instead of shying away from his grief, he started to embrace it, allowing the melodies to guide him through sorrow and into remembrance. He began to write again—poems and short stories that chronicled his love for Jamie, inspired by Morrison’s lyrical genius. In a way, he felt as if he was honoring his son’s memory through his own art, and it empowered him to create a legacy of love and connection.

Through the transformative power of “Astral Weeks,” Ben rediscovered his passion for music and art. He began sharing his writings at local open mic nights, where he found others who had experienced similar losses. The community that formed around these shared stories became a source of strength for him. Each time he took the stage, he could feel Jamie’s spirit beside him, urging him to express every emotion, every memory. The music and the words intertwined, building a bridge from his sorrow to a celebration of life and love.

Eventually, Ben understood that grief is a journey, not a destination. “Astral Weeks” had provided him with a roadmap to navigate that path, helping him find solace in creativity and connection. Van Morrison’s resilience through his own struggles reflected the very essence of life—the mix of joy and heartache that accompanies love. In honoring Jamie’s memory through music and storytelling, Ben discovered that love never truly fades; it transforms, much like the melodies that had saved him.