A Few Lost Words

Sometimes, for some of us, there are battles within that cannot be won. There is no shame in admitting this, even though the society we live in often condemns such admissions. It is often our collective condemnation of such alleged weaknesses that ensures that we never have to really deal with our frailties, ones that we all share, and that we are simply doomed to dwell in this awful juxtaposition, one in which we are brothers and sisters of a common parent, pledged to the maxim of fellowship, and yet are so quick to automatically treat one another with suspicion and cruelty.

Some of us know this battle on more intimate terms than others. Some refuse to even acknowledge its existence, claiming those who are unable to overcome that which has taken hold and cast them into darkness as weak or unstable.

Some of us know this battle on more intimate terms than others. And sometimes it is harder to surrender than to allow ourselves to be taken prisoner.

Three days ago a life ended. This afternoon I received an email from one of the friends of the deceased who explained to me that my music had gotten both of them through some tough times in the past. It is not the first email that I have received in my career carrying such news, though I sincerely hope that it is the last.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the effected family. But moreso, I want Richard to know, wherever he may be, that it was my privilege to be a part of his life, just as it remains my privilege to be a part of all of yours.