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Just Breathe has helped me with the loss of my father

gbgb Posts: 53
edited June 2011 in Given To Fly (live)
I've been a huge fan of anything pearl jam has done since the beginning. I was 10 when I first heard their stuff in 91, have never missed a show in Ohio and cannot wait to see what the future holds for this band. Four and a half years ago my dad was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. He battled valiantly up until the very end of 2010 and sadly he passed away just a few days shy of his 53rd birthday this past Feb. My world was turned upside down...I mean, I knew his passing would be inevitable but we had grown so close since he had been diagnosed. I traveled many times with he and my mother to treatments at the Cleve. Clinic - listening to Pearl Jam on my iPod thru the car stereo every trip, so much so that he had begun to become a fan. I would play a lot of live stuff as he loved live shows. We had hoped to go to a show together until the disease took over late last year. I've slowly begun to gather myself and dig out of the depression that had taken over since the beginning of the year but hearing Just Breathe or The End still really gets me. I'm heading off to see Eddie this Sunday in Detroit - I have a close friend in Newport Beach who saw him in CA last time around and its said the show was life changing. I cannot wait as I'm hoping this will be as inspiring for me, I could use a giant pick me up. Thanks for listening fellow fans, and allowing me to open up to the band and all of you, See you in Detroit and East Troy!

-George, Canton OH
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • unlost dogsunlost dogs Greater Boston Posts: 12,553
    I'm so sorry about the loss of your Dad, George... but glad you're finding some comfort in this beautiful music we all enjoy.

    (((hug)))

    I hope you have a wonderful time in Detroit. I know you won't be disappointed.
    15 years of sharks 06/30/08 (MA), 05/17/10 (Boston), 09/03/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/04/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/30/12 (Missoula), 07/19/13 (Wrigley), 10/15/13 (Worcester), 10/16/13 (Worcester), 10/25/13 (Hartford), 12/4/13 (Vancouver), 12/6/13 (Seattle), 6/26/14 (Berlin), 6/28/14 (Stockholm), 10/16/14 (Detroit)
  • Boxes&BooksBoxes&Books USA Posts: 2,672
    Your story is heavy. Safe travels ... I hope the show leaves you in another state of mind.


    positive vibrations......
  • aaron.anstisaaron.anstis Posts: 2
    G'day George,
    My thoughts are with you. I too am a long time fan of PJ. I too have lost my father to a rare cancer. I lost my dad a while back in January of 2006, just a couple of months before his 50th birthday.
    I was in a pretty dark place for a few years after his death and Pearl Jam's music seemed like the only thing that gave me comfort, Release was certainly one song that really got to me through those times. However, upon the release of Backspacer, Just Breath and The End have really helped me move into a better place. Something about these songs brings hope. That probably sounds the wrong way around, but there really is a positive message in these songs. I now have lyrics from release and just breath tattooed on my chest as a tribute to my dad, and to the music that has helped me through these times.

    Thank You George for your post. This is my first post, but you have made me feel like I am not the only one. I know that there are many, many people, who unfortunately go through these times. It is great to have amazing music to fall back on.

    I was lucky enough to see Ed play in Melbourne earlier this year, and it was emotional to say the least. Hearing The End live with just Ed was pretty special. I hope you enjoy the show, it will certainly lift your spirits.

    Take Care
    Aaron, Melbourne
  • UNH1995UNH1995 Worcester Posts: 356
    great thoughts
    thanks for sharing

    pj has helped me through some dark times
    the power of music!
    Lalapalooza 1992, Orphium Boston 1994, Hartford 1998, Mansfield 1998, Mansfield 2000, Mansfield 2003(1&3), West Palm 2003, State College 2003, Boston 2004, Albany 2006, Hartford 2006, Chicago 2006, Boston 2006, Mansfield 2008(1&2), Hartford 2008, Hartford 2010, Boston 2010, Worcester 2013 (1&2), All Four Fenway shows 2016 & 2018.
  • gbgb Posts: 53
    Aaron

    Thanks for sharing as well. Its nice to find comfort knowing there are others who have felt and still feel the pain I'm going through. As for Release, its easily one of my fav's. I've found it almost too hard to listen to lately, as it evokes such emotion, but what I wouldn't give to hear Eddie sing it Sunday night in Detroit. I know the show will be amazing, been looking forward to it for some time. Sunday nite can't come soon enough.
  • KatyzKatyz Posts: 838
    Aaron and George,
    Just Breathe seems to be such a a special song. It has become my song for Sammy...my seven year old son with leukemia. I sometimes sing it to him when we snuggle and inside I am willing him with all my might to stay strong, just breathe, and hold ME in his arms when I die....as the natural order should be. I cannot imagine it being the other way around.
    Thank you for sharing your stories, music really can help.
    Katy x
    Three Crooked Hearts


    http://www.supermansammyz.blogspot.com
  • gbgb Posts: 53
    Katy
    My heart goes out to you and I will certainly keep Sammy in my thoughts and prayers. Lyrics are so powerful and so incredible in so many ways.
  • KatyzKatyz Posts: 838
    gb wrote:
    Katy
    My heart goes out to you and I will certainly keep Sammy in my thoughts and prayers. Lyrics are so powerful and so incredible in so many ways.

    Thank you..and my love to you and sending you strength.
    Three Crooked Hearts


    http://www.supermansammyz.blogspot.com
  • YourDirtisMyfoodYourDirtisMyfood Boston Posts: 4,657
    gb wrote:
    I've been a huge fan of anything pearl jam has done since the beginning. I was 10 when I first heard their stuff in 91, have never missed a show in Ohio and cannot wait to see what the future holds for this band. Four and a half years ago my dad was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. He battled valiantly up until the very end of 2010 and sadly he passed away just a few days shy of his 53rd birthday this past Feb. My world was turned upside down...I mean, I knew his passing would be inevitable but we had grown so close since he had been diagnosed. I traveled many times with he and my mother to treatments at the Cleve. Clinic - listening to Pearl Jam on my iPod thru the car stereo every trip, so much so that he had begun to become a fan. I would play a lot of live stuff as he loved live shows. We had hoped to go to a show together until the disease took over late last year. I've slowly begun to gather myself and dig out of the depression that had taken over since the beginning of the year but hearing Just Breathe or The End still really gets me. I'm heading off to see Eddie this Sunday in Detroit - I have a close friend in Newport Beach who saw him in CA last time around and its said the show was life changing. I cannot wait as I'm hoping this will be as inspiring for me, I could use a giant pick me up. Thanks for listening fellow fans, and allowing me to open up to the band and all of you, See you in Detroit and East Troy!

    -George, Canton OH


    George, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
  • claystation2claystation2 Posts: 1
    My daughter was born in july of 2010. Shortly after her birth we found out she had a rare genetic disorder called Zellwegers syndrome. There is no cure for the disorder and children diagnosed only live a short time. Lily could not eat on her own and was fead through a tube. I had the 9pm, 1am, and sometimes 5am feedings with her. I composed a list of songs I would play for her every night. Just Breathe was one of the songs most listened to from that list. I know your pain and know how a song can have such meaning. It's is partially the words and partially the tune but mostly it is the memory. Lily passed away on December 4th of 2010. I just saw Eddie play Just Breathe in NY at the Beacon Theater. I wish I could thank him in person...for the memory. Thank you!
  • CAVSTARR313CAVSTARR313 Posts: 8,756
    edited June 2011
    My father passed on Aug. 26 2009 as a result of liver cancer.. He was 63 years old, never drank, didn't smoke and lived an honest, wonderful life..
    the couple weeks after the funeral were bad, but i was still in a haze of sorts..
    When Backspacer came out on Sept. 20, I was happy and naturally listened to it with great amazement, then I hit Just Breathe..
    All the emotion of the past weeks hit me like a ton of bricks. all those nights at the end. the last day in the hospital, begging for him to remain here with us. the song absolutely crushed me. It was as if Ed wrote it for us. It defined the moments so clearly. Every word, describing how he lived, how i felt about him, just right there. I still well up every time I hear it.. The picture painted so unfortunately perfect

    sorry to hear of your loss George, but you are never alone

    Matt
    Post edited by CAVSTARR313 on
    None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe that they are free.
    Abrn Hlls '98 - Clarkston 2 '03 - Grd Rpds '06 - Abrn Hlls '06 - Clvd '10 - PJ20 - Berlin 1+2 '12 - Wrigley '13 - Pitt '13- buff '13- Philly 1+2 '13 - Seattle '13
  • Vedder_womanVedder_woman Posts: 71
    I am so very sorry for both of your losses. My heart goes out to you and your familys.
    Underneath this smile lies everything...All my hopes, anger, pride and shame...make myself a pact, not to shut doors on the past just for today,... I am free.
  • Mikee JMikee J Posts: 1,323
    I know what you mean about that song.. although for different reasons. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose someone so close and you sound like you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Just the fact that you have written this is testament to your strength and ongoing recovery. People like you are an inspiration to others who are in the same position.

    Sending positive vibes from the low countries.... :)
    "My body's nobody's body but mine"
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