Missing Tom Petty

 07.25.2022

"It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down, I had the radio on, I was drivin'..."

Runnin' Down A Dream -Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers- 1989

Released a little after my birthday, a couple of months before our son was born. I was about a year away from landing my career employment with our local government. Loved my job, love our community, but  I miss Tom Petty. And others.

Back in the day, I would drive the Texas and Georgia back roads, nursing a few beers. I was still in a deep funk after losing my best friend in a vehicle accident. I was never the same, nor will I be. But I'm better, thanks to my phenomenal mate and supporting circle. It took a minute though. About 9 years. But still, I can't hear or recall certain songs without taking a moment to remember all the beautiful souls I've had in my life that have transitioned. And I credit my life with lessons learned from so many. It's just that for me, loss to a death, particularly an accident, lingers. Lives well lived taken by father time is a little different, as is loss to disease. But, of course, any loss stings. But with some stings, the swelling never exits. The swollen part stays swollen. Man, the emotional turmoil we are tasked with carrying. Ugh.

Tom Petty dying was a tough one for me. Kinda like Leon Russell. Artists that me & my buddy listened to. These musicians had "it". Others did as well, but I'm able to jam & scoot past their songs without a brief dark cloud hovering over me. Let's remember some. Indulge me.

Friends: Donald. Pat. Johnny. George S. Bob. Mom & Dad. Nana & Pops. Faith. Pops. Emily. Harold. Max. Charlie. Anna. Nancy. Uncle Bud. Abe. Squeaky. George H. 

Musicians: SRV. John D. Chris. Jimi. Janis. John L. Taylor. Kurt. Buddy. Ritchie. Dan. Keith. Bon. Dime. Rusty.

Just a sampling, really. And look, we all move on. Like paying taxes, it's inevitable. Why I struggle sometimes is beyond me. My depression peeking out? Very possibly. Now, I do my best to counter my sadder thoughts with the folks left with us. Strain out the harsh memories for a rinsed final product. Usually, it works. My hopes are that you don't tear up too often. Maybe if you hear an intro you know, pass on it if you're feeling particularly vulnerable. There's always next time. Big hugs.

Thank you for stopping by.