by TheEqualizer on 11 Sep 2007 01:34
Just wanted to add my thanks. You really have been an inspiration to me for years. Your humor and your passion (evident in your playing) has really helped me get through some of the difficult periods of my life. And being on this forum, I see that I am not alone. People have drawn power and strength from you, be it to help them to get though serious diseases, bad personal situations, or just the harsh reality of life. I'm sure you probably had no idea the effect and impact your music would have to so many different people, but you really have. And we all thank you. Your lifetime of work and dedication has been deeply appreciated by us all.
I know this post is probably really "corny" but I just felt really compelled to post this. I was thinking of telling you this at your Guitar Center appearance, but thought I would be wasting too much time and maybe come off as too creepy: last year, I put my life and my career on hold to take care of my father who was dying. He had moved out from Wisconsin to Las Vegas to spend his final days with me and my family. It was very difficult. I had to take him to the hospital at least 3 times a week. Near the end, he could not walk, so I had to ambulate him around. Near the end, he really could not eat. He was essentially blind. So it was really a grinding task just making sure his most basic needs were met on a daily basis.
And for some reason, something that always managed to keep me going (at least somewhat), no matter how bad things were going was listening to your song "On Any Other Day." Not sure why this was. But it kept me going. Even after my dad could no longer hold on. You music really helped me endure the greatest tragedy my life has yet to endure.
Sorry for posting this overly dramatic post. I have just been kind of down recently as Saturday (9/8) was the one year anniversay on my dad's passing. Of course, I listened to "On Any Other Day" in tribute.
So, after 1000 posts of mostly absolute non-sense from me on this forum, I just wanted to post my most sincere thanks and appreciation to you. You have really made a personal difference in more lives than you probably will ever know. Thank you, Stewart.
Robert in Las Vegas
There is no bigger gong.