Good-bye Chris

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I didn't sleep much the night before and when I dragged my butt out of bed at 4am to get to work, I saw the horrible headline about Chris Cornell's untimely death. I kind of was in shock all day. It didn't hit me until I went to pick up my daughter from preschool and turned the radio on in the car. A local station played Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart and I lost it.

That's when I realized we'd never get another new song from this great musician. To me, he wasn't just a musician. He inspired me. I have been listening to Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave since their conception. The 90's was the decade where I went from teen to adult and Chris's music defined those years for me. That decade ended with my brother losing his battle with depression. During that time, I listened to a lot of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and other grungy era bands. Their lyrics and music completely embodied what I felt at the time. It's like they knew exactly the pain that threatened to crush my soul each day.

Later down the road came Audioslave and that became my power music. When I needed to get a job done, that's what I listened to. Show Me How to Live became my mantra after my brother's death. When I became a writer, I turned to their music again. For some reason, I just wrote faster and harder if I had Gasoline or Be Yourself blaring in my headphones.

Yeah, it's fair to say Chris Cornell's music has been a part of my life for the better part of the last two and half years. His gorgeous, gritty voice has been my singing muse and will be greatly missed. My heart breaks for his family, friends, and band mates. While a fan as myself has been deeply touched by his light, imagine the impact he had on those who knew him on a personal level?

Rest in Peace, Chris and may you be free of the inner demons that haunted you during your time on earth. Thank you for giving so much of yourself, now go say hello to heaven.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255