Most of you already know (thanks to Johnny the Squeela Turppa) that I had a heart attack during the last set of my show with Flashback on Saturday night. Drove 20 miles home thru the snowstorm and then went to the ER. Scheduled for triple bypass surgery tomorrow at 11 AM. According to my surgeon the chances of something going catastrophically wrong (death, massive stroke, abduction by aliens, having to do an acoustic show with Johhny Turrpa) are under 1%. In the off chance that I am a one percenter I want you all to know that I have had a wonderful life. I have lived the life I wanted to live, loved madly, hurt few (most unintentionally), met the most wonderful and diverse group of people a man could be blessed to meet and been able to share my gift of music with multitudes (and I believe most of them enjoyed it - both the performances and the teaching). I was drafted for Vietnam and lived through a turbulent, divisive and tragic period of our American history. I have friends who are still 19 years old beneath their headstones. I learned quickly that life can be snatched from you in an instant. I decided that I would not live what life I had left doing something I did not love. I have attended too many funerals of writers, poets, artists and performers who let their gifts wither on the vine. As I sat at the deathbed of a friend a few years ago (an extremely talented writer and horn player) he looked up at me and said I wish I would have done what you did. As I watched him pass I thought You could have my friend. You should have. I am a man without material wealth. No house on the hill. No assets beyond the instruments that give me voice. But I am wealthy beyond compare because of you. All of you. And for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 23:33:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015