It’s amazing how certain songs can immediately bring you back to a very specific moment or event in your life and, of course, the more profound the event, the harder the song hits…
Well, after getting of the ferry on my way into work this morning, my iPod shuffled to Adam’s Song by Blink 182 and I was blind-sided by the memory of my cousin Lou’s death… Just over six years ago, Lou passed away after (what I would consider) a rather short battle with cancer. He was only 39 years old and the owner/founder of one of the most successful local graphic design companies. He gave me my first job as a designer. I learned an enormous amount from his talents. I knew he was gravely ill but I still couldn’t believe it when the cancer won.
I had just recently heard Adam’s Song for the first time and, although Lou passed away from cancer and not by means of suicide like Adam, I listened to that song — just that song — on repeat for a little over a week…
After hearing that song this morning, I was brought back to the first time I had ever lost anyone close to me.
I still can’t believe he’s gone.
RIP Lou.
—
steelie
So sorry to hear about cousin Lou. 🙁 I think music is as powerful as smell as a memory trigger. Sometimes one of those songs just opens a flood you thought had passed doesn't it?
Hmm…strange. I was just thinking about Lou the other day. I didn't know him nearly as well as you (nor was he family) but I was very sad when he died. I always admired him. Do you remember when I came to the office and helped Lou with some sort of shoot? He was always so kind to me. When I was thinking about going to NSCAD to do design, I asked him if he'd give me a job when I got my degree. He said absolutely. I expect he knew he wouldn't live to see the day I graduated but that didn't stop him from giving me encouragement. We all need people to help us realize our dreams. To some extent, Lou helped me with mine (he helped to give me a reason to go to NSCAD). And for that he will always hold a special place in my heart. Seems like he had a hand in yours too. RIP Lou indeed…
It’s amazing how certain songs can immediately bring you back to a very
specific moment or event in your life and, of course, the more profound
the event, the harder the song hits…You are so right. I always tell people how I mark my memories and moments of my life by the music I'm listening to at the time. For example, certain artists mark certain summers or winters of my life within the past few years. I can completely go back in time by just listening to that one album. Then I try to completely throw my mind back into time by reading a book I read then, or smelling a perfume I wore at the time… With all those senses combined, we really do have the power to time travel.
By the way, it's nice to see you updating more often now! ^__^