Triumph Through Tragedy

Nick Romano
Sept 7, 1984 - August 25, 2008

Right after I found out about Nick's wreck, a song came to my attention and it reminded me of the story behind the song. The song is the hymn "It is Well With My Soul". It has helped me find some peace in it all. He was a dear friend. Unfortunately, I watched some old video footage of the duet we did together and then our band competitions from 7th grade. So many memories caused tears to flood back in.

The verses were penned by Horatio Spafford after several traumatic events in his life. In 1871 his only son died, shortly followed by his financial ruin through the Great Chicago Fire. In 1873 he had planned to travel with his family to Europe, but was delayed on business. He sent his family on ahead. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship collided with another ship and sank, killing all four of the Spafford girls in the process. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

If such tragedy can bring about the words below, may God use Nick to touch many lives and bring peace such as this.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.



- Words by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873
- Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1876