A thank you letter to the band
saraharrison82
Posts: 1
He could have tuned in, tuned in but he tuned out. A bad time nothing could save him...
My husband is a combat veteran who has struggled with debilitating PTSD, anxiety, and a myriad of physical health problems since returning from Iraq. We have been married since 2006. Things started to go downhill and he wound up in a dark place of severe depression, crippling anxiety, daily thoughts of suicide, inpatient treatments, and isolation. He was no longer able to work. The joy had gone out of his life; the lights were barely flickering. There were times I just didn't know how we would make it through. Luckily I have a full time job and after several years he was awarded full VA benefits. We bought a car in 2015 that had satellite radio. He immediately found the Pearl Jam station, channel 22. It was all he would listen to. It calmed him. He told me the story of how when he was a kid he bought the Ten album through Columbia House on his mom's credit card and would sneak out to the barn to listen to it for hours on end. He shared how he had carved "Pearl Jam" into his head board. I loved hearing about this time in his life, a time when he was care-free, his future wide open...before the invisible wounds of war, before the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Still, in 2016 we went through a really rough time in our marriage. So much had caught up with us, but we were trying to make things work. Since I didn't really follow them, on a whim I googled "Pearl Jam tour", and was surprised to learn that they'd be playing in Lexington, KY in a couple months. It was drivable from Michigan, so I got the tickets. He was apprehensive, but excited. Crowds are something we had become accustomed to avoiding for a long time. He almost backed out, but we made it to the arena.
A wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw. Delivered him wings, hey look at me now...
As the music started playing in Rupp Arena, surrounded by 20,000 people, and seeing the smile wash over his face, my eyes filled with tears. I never thought something like this would be possible for us. We both got lost in the music. It was an incredible night, the first Pearl Jam show for either of us, and one we will never forget. I was hooked!! It was something we could now share together, it brought us closer. Immediately after we got home he found us tickets for the Wrigley night 2 show. I'll never forget on the way home after that show, he looked at me and said "as soon as the music starts playing, everything else melts away". I'm so thrilled to see him take interest in life again. The lights are back on. We've been to quite a few concerts since then, and it's become a family activity that we enjoy together with our kids. We also share a new hobby together collecting show posters and doing our own framing.
He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share, his key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere...
Well, here we are on the day of Fenway Night 2. He has been to every North American show this tour. He made a road trip out of it with his 14-year old son to Seattle, Missoula, and Chicago. This is a huge step for him and I'm in awe of his progress. Just a few years ago we would have to watch his son's baseball games from the car, because he couldn't get out. I just met him in Boston for Night 1 and WOW. What an incredible show!! We were both blown away. I was so happy to share that experience with him again. To witness the pure joy of seeing his absolute favorite band from the 9th row. Every song was amazing and the energy from the band and crowd was awesome. Army Reserve and Eddie's dedication to the troops and their families was really special to us and struck a chord. It was also quite something to watch my husband introduce himself to new friends at the Wish List foundation, after years of avoiding any type of social connection, and see his generosity in sharing his extra Night 2 ticket with a man who recently moved to Boston from Italy and loves Pearl Jam. He is a big believer in Karma and is constantly looking for ways to pay it forward.
To my husband, you have come so far. I love you with all my heart and I am so thankful you introduced me to this band and for the connection and experiences we've gained. You have overcome so much, you never stop fighting...you are GIVEN TO FLY.
To Ed, Mike, Jeff, Stone, Matt, and Boom, thank you so much for your music. Thank you for putting your everything into every single song, every single show. It is truly special to be a part of the experience. Your music speaks to us, it heals, it connects us. I can never describe how much I appreciate the tremendous gift you have given us, but just want to say Thank You. Have a great show tonight. I know my husband will!
Sincerely,
Sara
P.S. If you guys are sick of being "fucking hot" at these stadium shows, please consider our brand new, air conditioned Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit!!!! 
Comments
Cheers to you and your family.
1993-9-4 Vancouver
1996-9-16 Seattle
1998-7-19 Vancouver, 7-21 Seattle, Memorial Stadium
2000-11-6 Seattle
2001-10-22 Seattle
2002 -12-09 Seattle
2009-8-17 Manchester, 9-25 Vancouver
2011-6-16 Seattle (EV), 9-3/4 PJ20, 9-25 Vancouver
2012-6-27 Amsterdam (#2!)
2013-11-29 Portland, 12-4 Vancouver, 12-6 Seattle
2014-AUS - 1-26 Sydney, 1-31 Adelaide, 2-11/12 EV Sydney State Theatre, 2-13 EV Opera House
2014 - USA - Memphis, Detroit, MOLINE, St. Paul, MILWAUKEE, Denver, 25/26 Bridge School
2016 - Lexington, Philly x 2, MSG x 2, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto x 2, Pemberton, Fenway x 2, Wrigley x 2
2018 - Seattle x 2, Missoula, Fenway x 2
And as someelse said. Thank your husband for his service and sacrifice.
I am always looking for something that makes all else melt away. Going to a show sure does it for me. The only other things I've found are running (with PJ in my ears) and playing music. When I play my guitar I can't think about anything else and that's pretty cool.....
|11.6.00Seattle|6.6.03Vegas|6.7.03PHX|5.25.06Boston|7.22.06Gorge|7.23.06Gorge|9.21.09Seattle|9.22.09Seattle |10.6.09LA|11.19.13PHX|11.29.13Portland|12.6.13Seattle |10.22.14Denver| 8.8.18 Seattle | 8.10.18 Seattle
EV Solo |7.15.11 Benaroya|7.16.11 Benaroya|4.13.12PHX|10.30.14Redmond|
TOTD 11.11.16 San Fran
Sammi: Wanna just break up?