Life happens. We have to try to find some way to be happy in it.
— Logan Courtney from Angry Macey
Chester Bennington of Lincoln Park died July 20, 2017.
I own the CD Hybrid Theory. It contains many of their biggest hits. I listened to it often for many years. It got me through some difficult times, as the right music often can. I believe that CD and their others were that medicine for a lot of people.
Upon hearing of his death, I got into my music chest, located that CD, and put it in my car to listen to it. It reminded why Linkin Park is so great. And, unfortunately, the lyrics also reminded me of the pain that Chester must have been in. But that is probably the part that I identified with the most.
I used to think that the highest risk time period for suicide was the teenage years, which maybe actually is the case; I did no research for this post. I used to think if you got past that hell of peer pressure and trying to figure out who you are, that then you would be safe.
But recently two musicians well beyond their teen years, Chris Cornell and Chester, have taken their own lives.
In our society, we are made to believe that celebrity & riches will cure what ails you (depression, relationship issues, etc.).
In reality, it often seems to make existing matters worse.
We are made to believe that if you have a loving family who supports you, you will not take drastic measures to end your own life by your own hand.
But it happens every day.
When someone finds a healthy outlet for their demons (music, art, writing), we assume they will be alright now and make it through.
Chris and Chester have proven to us that is not the case.
Contemplating all this last night, I realized that I will never be able to get rid of my anxiety. It is a part of me, just as much as my hands and feet are. Although, I really wish it would quit waking me up in the morning, my heart pounding and my lungs gasping for breath over some irrelevant conversation I had the day before and how stupid I may have sounded.
But maybe I can manage it and live with it. People with other diseases do it all the time. They don’t let one dark space inside them take over control of the main show.
Well, unfortunately, Chris and Chester did.
So, I’m asking you, don’t ease your pain the same way they did.
A phrase keeps repeating in my head right now. It is actually from something my asbestos friend wrote about success & persistence in a career. I feel like it may apply to life in general as well. It seems as though this quote is also attributed to many famous Americans.
If you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.
I was not Linkin Park’s biggest fan by any means. But I do see the genius in their music and why they had maintained such popularity over the years.
Here is video of Chester literally baring his soul on the radio. It was a very brave thing to do. Hopefully by him speaking that day, and the video of it circulating now, he helped one person to prevent what he himself could not.
My kid has told me he would be sad if I died. I am sure Chester’s six children told him that too. I am sure they were also witness to the battle he waged every day to stay in this world. Hopefully they will remember that and be able to forgive him for his untimely absence.
If you need it, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline now.
1-800-273-8255
From the broken mind of Jennifer Friess, the joining of hearts & souls…
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