
Last Saturday, I reconnected with nature. I drove to a forest preserve and almost ran a marathon. While I covered 20 miles around a river and eyed small islands, the Wells case crossed my mind.
What do you believe happened to 18-year-old Nolan Wells?
The current story seems suspect. He leaves with friends on July 4, sails to Horn Island near Mississippi, and then dies.
Wells’s parents, investigators, an attorney, the FBI, and the police are attempting to uncover additional details in the evolving narrative. Comments on social media filled the timeline’s gaps with black and white racial markers of identity. Many note that Nolan was the only Black boy among his peers on the boat that left on Independence Day.
Officials reported no evidence of foul play, but the Wells family and the community have questions. Nolan’s parents requested an independent autopsy and hired an attorney to help with obtaining answers. From the infamous Emmitt Till lynching to Mississippi’s longstanding history of racial injustices, it’s difficult to accept the current explanation of events.
While on last Saturday’s run, I wondered if Nolan had premonitions of his pending death. Did he see, hear, or feel something? As I attempted to answer questions, I stumbled across a bridge.

Graffiti covered one section, and I read the word “Meditate” in white paint. I paused, took a picture, and my thoughts continued to wander.
Meditation, prayer, running, and journaling can help us identify answers to perplexing questions. Mindful activities can help us process loss. They may be especially helpful when wins feel far away.
Get outdoors. Connecting to the earth can reset energetic vibrations. The Creator sends messages through various means.

Random thoughts continued while I ran and resurfaced when I wrote this post.
What will happen in the Nolan Wells tragedy? Only God knows, and at least one of his friends at the time of this writing. The funeral is scheduled for Monday.
While we await additional details, I will keep running and writing. Subscribe now and see what comes through next week.
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This post was previously published on Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD.
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You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism |
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The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer |
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Photo credit: Vernon Lindsay
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism
Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box
The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer

