My brother died Sunday from suicide; he took comfort in PJ's music in his last days. Thank you.

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  • Tvan
    Tvan Chicago Posts: 73
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
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  • stevehomeair
    stevehomeair Posts: 318
    I've lost three close loved ones to suicide and had an attempt of my own its tough pill to swallow wondering if there was something that could have been done to prevent it. Mental illness is so bad in the USA and the medications are only a band aid. Getting to the core of the issue I suffer PTSD from childhood trauma and its a battle everyday to survive without anxiety or the control not to go off on some asshole jerk. Stay Strong sometimes the pain is to much to bear and no human should have to deal with it. Love Light Peace and Happiness.. Music can heal WHY GO HOME!
  • TL170678
    TL170678 Near Louisville, in Indiana, closer to Kentucky Posts: 422
    Sucks man, I am sorry.... This is happening all over the USA..... Did he ever try suboxone to get clean?
  • 1STmammal2wearPants
    1STmammal2wearPants Worcester, MA Posts: 2,984
    hankholetsgo said:

    Sunday night, while in a hotel room in Chicago, between the two Wrigley shows (Monday was set to be my 100th show), my phone rings. My brother was found dead Sunday afternoon. I immediately got online and booked an early Monday flight to Dallas (where I live) and then once I landed I grabbed my things and drove to Memphis (where my family is). After I arrived, I was talking to my mom and she said, "your brother told me, "this isn't gonna happen, but if I die, there's a Pearl Jam song Long Road and I want it played at my funeral."" I was floored.

    The next day she asked me if I would find an additional song to play at the funeral. I chose Given to Fly. Once I settled on that, I played it for her and when it hit the chorus she started crying and told me that after my brothers last overdose (sadly, just a week prior to his death - he was on a wait list for a rehab facility), he played GTF for her and told her that while he was in the hospital he played in bed and listened to that song for three or four hours straight through. Once she read the words, she said it made total sense, "a bad time nothing could save him...."

    This Saturday, we are not having a sad funeral, but a celebration of a life cut short at 28, of a kid that absent the heroin, was a goddamn good kid. A kid that loved me and that I loved. A kid that shared my love for music. Long Road and Given To Fly will be the soundtrack for that celebration.

    Thank you, Pearl Jam, for creating art that he took comfort in during his last days.

    May you have peace in the good times with your brother, and shared love of Pearl Jam. So sorry for you. Thoughts and prayers all your way.
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  • densan
    densan Posts: 563
    Love, healing, and grace to you and your family. I pray he found the peace he needed and the rest too. Your pain and his will be remembered and honored by us, your other family. Peace
    Be different & make a difference. Decency & kindness @ a grassroots level works.
  • pjman75
    pjman75 Indiana Posts: 850
    Today is the celebration of life for Blake, Hank's little brother. Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts.

    We love you Hank. You got this.
    I'm a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love.

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  • CO_evolve
    CO_evolve Posts: 5
    I am so sorry to hear your loss, thanks for sharing- this actually my first reply ever to the board. I too lost my brother 9 years ago to the opioid crisis. I didn't talk much about it for a long time. My brother went to my first few pj shows.....their music has done wonders in helping me continue to get through without him. Yes given to fly is huge. May peace be with you and your brother.
  • Longueuil
    Longueuil Posts: 2,224
    edited August 2016
    Now the man of the hour is taking his final bow
    As the curtain comes down
    I feel that this is just goodbye for now
    hankholetsgo said:

    image
    Blake
    1988-2016

    RIP :rose:
    Post edited by Longueuil on
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    Good thoughts to you and your family today, Hank.
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    edited August 2016
    Hank, I've *edit got GTF playing here - the St. Louis 2000 version, with lovely late Kim signing those beautiful words.

    Felt it was appropriate.

    Hugs and sending good energy.
    Post edited by hedonist on
  • maverick
    maverick Posts: 1,253
    Thinking of you today Hank.
    Very very sorry you now have two losses in recent days.
    I can't imagine what you are going through but it looks like your brother has some company with him now.
    I truly hope you are doing ok and will be better, if only a little bit, with each passing day.
  • Sarah
    Sarah Toronto Posts: 736
    So sorry for your loss. I have lost a close family member to suicide as well -- though it should be noted we were estranged at the time.
    Strength to you and your family.
    "Somewhere in between / There and here / I got lost / I got scared..."
  • shetellsherself
    shetellsherself New Jersey Posts: 8,835
    Thinking of you Hank. Played GTF for you and your brother today
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  • dancinacrossthewater
    dancinacrossthewater Posts: 800
    Great to see so much love here for you, buddy.

    Isaac

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