Friends,
What an emotional time the past few weeks have been for me. Possibly for you as well? about a month ago we lost Stompin’ Tom. Perhaps this was not a grand surprise but it certainly had impact. I was in BC at the time. I felt the wave of his death ripple through Canada like a tsunami. A legend gone. A true Canadian icon. About three weeks past a close friend in Edmonton left the world too soon. I had just spent a few great nights hanging with him when I was out there on tour. It was a great visit and felt good to reconnect. His passing was a surprise and I was on the road in Ontario and couldn’t be there in Alberta to comfort my best friend and share our grief together. It was rough. Then almost two weeks ago Jay Smith, a monster guitarist and songwriter from Cape Breton, passed away. Again tragedy calling from Edmonton. As I watched the internet explode with tears from the east coast community and beyond I and many others, was once again was slapped in the face by the hand of death. Even more recently the death of legendary east coast rocker Ritchie Oakley. Where does it end?
I’m no stranger to loss. I’ve had to say good bye to many a friend and family. Doesn’t make it easy. It’s always a surprise how the grief squirms it’s way into you even when you think you’re ok. It is truly the one horrible thing about touring. Not being there when something like this happens. I always want to be in the company of my community when dealing with it. Even if there is no talking. It just feels good to be with your safety net of friends. This past Sunday night I went to Halifax to be in just such company to celebrate the life and times of Jay Smith. While I didn’t know Jay, well, like many folks did it felt great to be in the company of many friends I hadn’t seen in far too long. It was a wonderful benefit to raise money for his children’s trust fund. There were epic musical performances by many. People laughed and cried. Wounds opened and maybe healed a little at the same time. It was HEAVY.
These events over the last few weeks have caused me to reflect deeply into my life about what is important. I have been reminded of all the great people I have met in my life and especially the ones who are still here. I can’t imagine being where I am today without many of these people. I wouldn’t be the man or musician I am without them. So, friends, I write this note for you tonight to let you know that even when it is years that pass between our handshakes your face and spirit are often in my heart and on my mind. I have a deep sense of gratitude for all the wonderful people that I have met. I love and cherish each and everyone of you. I would especially like to say that in YOUR darkest days, When YOU feel like I have in the past few weeks, know that someone, somewhere out there in the world is thinking of you and loves you and most importantly your existence is important to them. Even when it feels like there is no one. There is always someone. I promise.
Enemies,
I have forgiven myself, and you, for our petty divisions that have led us to this point in our lives. Life is too short and certainly only made shorter by the burden of a grudge. This evening I start anew. Please read the above again and do the same.
Great Big Love to you all.
Your friend,
Ross