Rush and the Broken People

[Brucey]

Hi girls.

 

I've never posted on a Rush message board before. I've read them for years (this one much more than the others) but, for whatever reasons, just never decided to get my feet wet. After last night's phenomenal show at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, I decided to change that - even if only for a day. There are some things inside me that need to come out and I felt like this was the only place I could release them.

 

I'm a 31 year-old woman from NYC and a Rush fan since 2003. Last night marked my 14th Rush concert and my VIP package awarded me a great ticket right in front of the very man whose plaintive riffs stole my heart 10 years ago: Alex Lifeson. (I'm pretty small, so he never noticed me standing there gazing up at him with a potent cocktail of loving tears and adoration in my eyes, which was perhaps for the best. It was a very emotional night for me and getting any sort of eye contact from a member of Rush might have legitimately caused a fainting spell!)

 

I think that most Rush fans are, to an extent, somewhat broken and emotionally fragile people. Not ALL of them, obviously, but the more I meet and speak to at shows, and the more eyes I gaze into as I pass them in the hallways of concert venues, the more I believe that the 3 talented misfits who comprise Rush have managed to produce music that reaches into the hearts of every other misfit on the planet and pulls them into that warm and comforting nimbus where they know they will always be safe. And understood.

 

I am one of those broken people. I was an "accidental" child born to a mother who was violent and resentful. I was sexually abused by my father until I was in my teens and never told anyone. I was a compulsive cutter, a complete outcast in school who was abused verbally and physically. I had no social skills, grew up despising all other children and was terrified of men. For the most formative and important years of my life, I was such an introvert that something as simple as going grocery shopping gave me anxiety attacks. I spent the majority of my life feeling like I had no place on this earth. I felt unloved, unlovable, worthless, filthy, confused and full of a sadness so infinite that it sometimes felt like my heart was smothering in my chest. I had no interest in music, in hobbies, in dating. My only true joy was in painting, but because I lived on my own from an early age, I rarely had the money to buy decent art supplies. I was a lost and completely broken human being who was merely existing without living at all.

 

Anyone who tells you that music cannot change your entire life has obviously never been at the very end of their own rope, like I was.

 

I will never, ever forget the first time I heard Rush. Sitting on my bedroom floor in front of my stereo system on an overcast day in October, I stumbled onto Q104.3FM while station surfing. Suddenly, streaming out of my speakers in impossible, shimmering, twisting ecstasy came Alex Lifeson's Limelight solo. It pierced through my heart like an arrow and I remember an awe-struck, prickling sensation spreading fast as wildfire throughout my entire body. His guitar cried out in sorrow and my heart answered immediately in understanding. But then the notes that followed twisted and danced and spiralled off into the most nakedly honest and raw joy I'd ever heard. It felt like, in the space of only 30 seconds or so, he had told my own personal story and created a happy ending for me where there had been none. The euphoria and pure, delicately screaming joy of that final, spiralling note that he rides into oblivion awakened something inside me that I couldn't fully understand but never wanted to let go of. Alex had jump-started a heart that had been dead for nearly 2 decades. I had no idea who he was, I had no idea who the rest of the band was or even the name of the song. I only knew that if I could hear that sound again, that sparkling guitar full of hope and promise, that teeming wall of rapturous sound that wrapped around it, then somehow everything would be okay. That was the beginning of my love affair with Rush. They reached me in the most beautiful and profound way possible, at a time when nothing and no one else could.

 

I have never loved a band so much. I've never felt this way about music before, so consistently and for so long. I've never felt so deeply connected to 3 people I don't even know. I've never felt that I owed SO MUCH to a group of complete strangers. As they played The Garden last night, I reflected on all of this and broke down and cried. Right there in front of me, a mere 15 feet away, were the men who had saved my life and they didn't even know it. They would NEVER know it. I doubt they realize just how much the fruits of their livelihood affect the lives of those who hear it, how significant they are to the lost and hurting who stumble across their music. I'm still a broken person, but Rush was the bandage that helped me begin to heal. They were my rainbow in a life of nothing but clouds. I can only hope to God that they know how special they are. I often wish that I could meet them and just hug them and tell them "thank you", but it would never be enough. For what they have given to me, for what they have given to us all, there is no hug long or tight enough and there can never be enough "thank you"s.

 

As The Garden wound softly to a close last night and the boys retreated for a short break, I thought about the lyrics. "In the fullness of time, a garden to nurture and protect". Whether Rush realizes it or not, we all are their garden to nurture and protect.... and they have done a damn fine job.

 

So to all the other misfits out there... to all of you who, like me, have found solace or love or hope or healing in the music of these 3 wonderful men... my heart is with you, I understand and I raise a glass today to you, to Rush, to new beginnings, to the strength to carry on despite all odds and to the camaraderie that exists within this incredibly unique fanbase.

 

If anyone made it through this entire message, thank you from the bottom of my heart for obliging me. :') And most of all, thank you RUSH!!!

 

<3

 

Quite possible the best post that I have ever read on this board.

 

 

 

Ditto.

[Lorraine]

GedsJeans, wherever you are (and I hope that even though you don't post that you do lurk), I came back to tell you that you are right about Roger Daltrey's singing voice vs. Geddy's. Yesterday, I heard what you meant in one of your posts in this thread. Geddy has the more soothing singing voice.

 

Hope you are safe and doing all right. I think about you often.

Edited February 27, 2014 by Lorraine

[ThatLightInYourEyes]

Yes, it is important to encourage them always. Some parents beat their children down as soon as they start to stand and keep beating them down every time they manage to get back up.

 

Don't ever discourage them, or tell them "You won't be able to do that!!"

 

Every time I told my family something I wanted to do/be their response would be "that's hard".

Oh dear Gangster - how I can relate.

 

Did you get ridicule too?

 

Oh yeah. Basically my family thought I would just want to grow up and be a housewife.

 

My family is like that on both sides. The men are supposed to make a ton of money (They all drink a lot.) and the women are supposed to graduate and then marry rich guys. (They get angry a lot. And drink.) The ones who are in the best physical and emotional shape are the ones who save their money but don't fall in love with it. Middle ground, basically.

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Hello GedsJeans,

 

Your post made me cry; that was beautiful. Thank you for sharing that with everyone. You are not alone my friend; I know exactly what you mean. It makes me sad when people don’t “get” Rush, because they are missing out on so much... Neil’s words of sincere wisdom and encouragement, and as you mentioned, Alex’s beautiful and profound solos. If angels really exist, Geddy must be one. Nothing is more comforting to me than the sound of his voice. I could be on the verge of a complete emotional breakdown, but then I listen to Rush, and I know everything will be okay.

 

Sorry if this ends up being lengthy; I’ve been alone for most of my life and have quite a lot to say. I’m not a new Rush fan, however I am new to this site. This is my first post actually. I feel this would be the best place to reach out to people. “Birds of a feather flock together”, so they say. I’m very much an introvert, mainly out of social fear, but I reach a certain point where the pain of loneliness becomes greater than the fear that created it. Since I’m not accustomed to socializing, I tend to be a bit socially awkward, as in some things might not make sense, or just sound really strange. I apologize in advance. I really feel the need to write this though, just to connect with someone else. I hope I’m able to help you, or anyone.

 

Eight months ago I was hospitalized with an obstructed bile duct and pancreatitis, which is very much a life threatening condition. I was in absolute, agonizing pain, to the point where I was laying in my hospital bed screaming “Please, someone, anyone, help me!” I was terrified. Morphine did absolutely nothing, and Oxycodone the same. Even Dilaudid, a medication seven times more potent than Morphine, wasn’t quite enough. It helped slightly, but I was still in misery. My doctor was concerned about my gallbladder rupturing because everything was completely obstructed and they were unable to retrieve the stone during the first ERCP attempt, and I was too ill to undergo another procedure at that time. With pancreatitis, from what I remember, the enzymes become activated before they can enter the intestines, and the pancreas is basically attacking itself. I had a bunch of tubes and wires everywhere (at least it certainly felt that way… they had to insert a tube through my nose down into stomach because I couldn’t stop vomiting) and I was too weak to get up. I really believed it was the end of me as my health was relentlessly deteriorating. I was also beginning to develop pneumonia from lying down for so long, and my vital signs were becoming unstable. All I could think was “I’m twenty one… and dying? I didn’t even get to live yet!” I felt angry, frustrated, and really depressed. I had my Mom bring me my laptop and my headphones so I could listen to Rush. They directed my thoughts elsewhere, where they needed to be, and put me back in fight mode. They distracted me from the discomfort and emotional terror I was experiencing. My mindset altered from “This is it… there is no hope for me.” to “I will get better. There is no other option.” I hadn’t been able to sleep for a couple days due to the pain, but I finally fell asleep with my headphones on to Ged’s beautiful, angelic voice. I’m pretty sure I had listened to “Middletown Dreams” at least twenty times. That song is so incredibly dear to me; my eyes always burn at the end, but it also comforts me more than anything else. Then I played Hold Your Fire, and I think I fell asleep during “Mission”… such a beautiful and underrated song. The following morning, I overheard a nurse say, “The HIDA scan is indicating severe liver disease.” I of course called my Mom crying hysterically, and it wasn’t helping that I had just lost my Dad to LIVER cancer, exactly one and a half years ago to the day, at the same hospital. When the nurse returned, I asked, “Do I really have liver disease?” She said, “The results are showing you either have stones or severe liver disease. You have stones.” I had to call my Mom again and say, “Never mind! Sorry!” after getting both of us all worked up over nothing. Eventually my health began improving. I was finally able to tolerate sitting up again, and was even able to walk with the assistance of a nurse. To make a long story short, the second ERCP was a success, and the gallbladder removal was a success. I was able to fully recover, and as of today I’m perfectly healthy, as healthy as I can be anyways. Most people who have had gallbladder disease don’t experience what I went through; mine was basically a worst case scenario. They actually sent my gallbladder to a laboratory to examine it and use it for research. Lmao. Story of my life I guess, but I’m “ok”. If I spend my life worrying about the “what if’s”, I won’t have time to actually live it. Anyways, this is factual proof, that Rush indeed have magical healing powers.

 

I wasn’t sexually abused, but I relate to everything else you have written. I’d like to share a few things with you, if it’s okay. It helps to know you aren’t alone. Loneliness is the worst feeling in the world, believe me I know. Worse than any other pain. I can earnestly say that, because even though my experience in the hospital was torture, I’d choose that over isolation and emotional trauma any day.

 

“Someone set a bad example, made surrender seem alright, the act of a noble warrior who lost the will to fight.”

 

I was always dubbed as “that smart kid”, when I was in school. I always participated in extracurricular activities, completed extra credit assignments, and assisted other students who were struggling with a particular subject if I finished my work early, which I usually did. It felt great to hear, “I understand this now, thanks.” I’d also organize folders and book shelves for my teacher at the end of the day, or run errands to the office. I enjoyed making a difference in something, even if it were just an organized shelf or a solved math equation. I wrote articles for the school newspaper, and participated in as many school plays as my parents would tolerate, lol. I had one of the highest grades in my school and won several awards in science, writing, and mathematics. I felt I could accomplish anything if I put my heart into it. I had lots of friends, and believed people genuinely cared about me. Obviously none of this matters anymore, but I wanted to give you an idea of the person I used to be.

 

“And now you’re trembling on a rocky ledge, staring down into a heartless sea. Can’t face life on a razor’s edge, nothing’s what you thought it would be.”

 

When I began fifth grade, middle school in particular, I was bullied to an unbearable extent. Every day people would hit me, kick me, push me, and throw things like grass and dirt at me. Someone even threw macaroni in my hair once lol, which really sucked. No one would sit next to me at lunch, but everyone was suddenly my best friend when it came to group projects. I always ended up completing the entire project myself. I tried to inform my parents and teachers about my situation, but no one would listen to me. The teachers were never around when you needed them to be, and my parents basically told me to toughen up and fight back, but I’m not that type of person. I’m not a coward; I just don’t believe violence solves anything.

 

“All of the seasons and all of the days, all of the reasons why I’ve felt this way… so long…”

 

I never understood why I was being treated that way, because I was always really friendly towards everyone. This took a substantial toll on me psychologically. I was diagnosed with major depression and social anxiety, and was prescribed Zoloft and an anxiety meds when I was elven years old. Someone that young shouldn’t be taking that crap IMO. I cried nearly every morning before school, fearing what that day would bring. According to everyone else I was the most hideous human being to walk the earth, so I began to believe it. That has permanently scarred me for life, because I still look in the mirror and think I look horrible. Why do people have to be so cruel and judgmental? I guess because they are miserable with themselves. The only thing that should determine one’s appearance is their character. I feared being judged and humiliated, so most of my days were spent locked away in my room, hiding from existence. “Countless ways, you pass the days…”

 

“No salutes for your surrender, nothing noble in your fate. Christ, what have you done!”

 

I dropped out of school when I was sixteen, simply because I couldn’t take anymore. When I was seventeen I obtained my High School Diploma through a GED course, hehe “GED”, but still can’t quite fathom the fact I made that choice. It’s better than nothing, but I will forever bear the shame of settling for “the path of least resistance” when I could have and should have tried harder. I should have toughened up and dealt with it. Every once in a while I remember the pain I felt, and can’t blame myself. The relentless scenario of crying myself to sleep while my parents were in the living room screaming at each other over how useless I was still haunts me. I still hear all the brutal insults… I try to forget them, but’s it’s really hard to let go of “Go ahead and kill yourself.” when you were pleading your parents for help, telling them you wished to end your life. They were drunk at the time, but those words cut me pretty deep. I turned to self-mutilation, and continued to do so until I was nineteen. I lost the ability to trust another human being.

 

“The sleep is still in my eyes, the dream is still in my head. I heave a sigh and sadly smile, and lie awhile in bed. I wish that this may come to pass, not fade like all my dreams. Just think of what my life might be, in a world like I have seen! I don’t think I can carry on, carry on this cold and empty life…”

 

My life became a disaster. My parent’s fights became more violent and more frequent. My Dad was drinking even more excessively, to the point of oblivion, and my Mom was out partying every night. One night she came home at four in the morning, and actually asked, “What are you doing awake at this time?” The next time she was out that late I locked her out. I was livid. She’s changed since then and our relationship has improved, but I’m still disappointed she did that. She cheated on my Dad and then left abruptly a year later, and didn’t contact me for a few months. I didn’t know where she was, or if she were even alive. She simply left a note on the kitchen counter that read, “There’s nothing left for me here.” I went on believing I’d never see her again. I also later found out my Dad had been cheating on my Mom since I was a child, and while my Mom was in the mental hospital for attempted suicide.

 

“All I know is that sometimes the truth is contrary, everything in life you thought you knew...”

 

During this time in my life, I had absolutely no contact with the outside world. My world existed between four walls. No friends, no internet, not even television; just my cats, music, and my guitars. I spent the majority of my time sleeping, though, because I wanted life to disappear. This is a part of my existence I try to ignore, because it was very painful for me, and still is. All of the lonely nights sitting on my bedroom floor, crying with my head against the wall and my fluffy cat wrapped snugly in my arms... sympathizing with the emptiness that plagues the dark, dreaming of what my life could be like. I was so depressed that even “Chemistry” and Yes’s “Starship Trooper” made my eyes burn. I think it was realizing those were the only voices I ever heard anymore. No one else was ever there. I too know how you feel when you wish you could hug them and thank them for being who they are. If I were ever given the chance to hug Geddy, I don’t know if I’d be able to let go.

 

“The office door closed early, the hidden bottle came out. The salesman turned to close the blinds, a little slow now, a little stout. But still he’s heading down those tracks, any day now for sure. Another day as drab as today, is more than a man can endure.”

 

My Dad passed away from liver cancer a few years later. The last memory I have of him here is watching him collapse in the driveway. I had a nervous breakdown when I had to call 911 and say, “Something’s wrong with my Dad.” Listening to the sirens gradually fade as the ambulance drove away, knowing my Dad was probably laying there terrified, broke my heart. We used to be best friends, pals as we’d call each other, but alcoholism took over. All the bad memories were from alcohol. I forgive him because I know he did the best he could for me. I really miss him, and it hurts really bad knowing he’s gone, and during the time of which I need him the most.

 

“It’s understood, by every single person, who’d be elsewhere if they could. So far so good, and life’s not unpleasant in their little neighborhood.”

 

After my Dad passed away, my Mom and I found out the mortgage hadn’t been paid in two years. The house had actually been paid off once, but he refinanced to begin his own company. So now, the house my parents built together in 89 is in foreclosure, and my Mom and I have three months left to find somewhere else to go.

 

“You don’t get something for nothing, you can’t have freedom for free. You won’t get wise with the sleep still in your eyes, no matter what your dreams might be!”

 

Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances I’m in right now, I’m not going to let this stop me. There are days I am less than willing to get out of bed, but “it’s not as if this barricade blocks the only road”. I guess what I’m trying to say is no matter what happens, there’s always a way out, and no matter how alone you feel, there’s always someone else out there sharing that same feeling and suffering with you, so technically no one is completely alone. Fear is nothing more than mere uncertainty, as it will never change the outcome of the future. Fear can bring people together though, and manifest itself into a force of courage. I hope at least one person reads this and understands what I was trying to say. I'm actually a life that almost never was; I was born with the umbilical chord wrapped around my neck and wasn't breathing. I'm still here for some reason. On a bad day my answer to that would be "to suffer", but who knows. “The point of a journey is not to arrive… anything can happen.”

[Blue J]

Intermolecular Reality- another very brave post. No need to feel fear about expressing yourself in such a way here- you are among friends.

 

Keep that positive perspective you have, after all that has happened in your life, and you will make it through just fine.

[KennyLee]

That was beautiful. My heart breaks for you and at the same time I am inspired by your courage and determination. Bravo.

[Narps]

Welcome IR and don't be a stranger..... :cheers:

[Lorraine]

Inter, you are among your own kind here. Some, like myself, are not comfortable bearing their souls on the worldwide web, but that doesn't mean we don't and can't relate to your pain.

 

Isn't it incredible how Rush gave you the will to fight and go one when nothing else did? Music can do that for you. Some music seems to be designed to push you over the edge. Rush, and some other bands, pull you back from it and give you the will and the strength to go on.

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Intermolecular Reality- another very brave post. No need to feel fear about expressing yourself in such a way here- you are among friends.

 

Keep that positive perspective you have, after all that has happened in your life, and you will make it through just fine.

 

Aw, thank you, Blue J. That was a very kind and thoughtful statement. : ) It's difficult to maintain a positive outlook at times, but I try to remind myself that I will never be able to move forward if I continue to dwell in the past. Gee, that's almost a bit of a paradox! The present is the result of the past, and the present is the past.

 

"How can the past and future be, when the past no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity." - Augustine of Hippo

[Moonlit Dreamer]

That was beautiful. My heart breaks for you and at the same time I am inspired by your courage and determination. Bravo.

 

Thank you, KennyLee. If this was not directed towards me, I feel incredibly awful and greatly apologize! If it was, I just wanted to make sure I could thank you for your kind words.

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Welcome IR and don't be a stranger..... :cheers:

 

Thank you, Narpski. I will try my best! : ) I can't guarantee I will be completely successful at breaking out of my shell at first. I almost feel a bit silly saying that, being I just revealed my life story to all of humanity, lol, well, to all who encounter it anyway.

[KennyLee]

That was beautiful. My heart breaks for you and at the same time I am inspired by your courage and determination. Bravo.

 

Thank you, KennyLee. If this was not directed towards me, I feel incredibly awful and greatly apologize! If it was, I just wanted to make sure I could thank you for your kind words.

 

It was directed at you and you're welcome. Thank YOU for sharing your story!

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Inter, you are among your own kind here. Some, like myself, are not comfortable bearing their souls on the worldwide web, but that doesn't mean we don't and can't relate to your pain.

 

Isn't it incredible how Rush gave you the will to fight and go one when nothing else did? Music can do that for you. Some music seems to be designed to push you over the edge. Rush, and some other bands, pull you back from it and give you the will and the strength to go on.

 

Thank you, Lorraine. With Rush I feel a sense of belonging, and was amazed to see so many other people share that same feeling. I wasn’t expecting anyone to respond to what I wrote. Your words of compassion, as well as those of whom else responded (Did that even make sense?), has shown me there is still a glimmer of hope, and maybe it’s still possible for me to find happiness. I actually shed a few tears just because someone even acknowledged me. It’s a wonder I have any tears left! I was a little reluctant to post that at first, but I felt such a strong connection to GedsJeans’s story I felt I should. If this had been a face to face encounter, I probably would have recited everything I wanted to say in my mind, but never would have mentioned it.

[Lorraine]

Inter, you are among your own kind here. Some, like myself, are not comfortable bearing their souls on the worldwide web, but that doesn't mean we don't and can't relate to your pain.

 

Isn't it incredible how Rush gave you the will to fight and go one when nothing else did? Music can do that for you. Some music seems to be designed to push you over the edge. Rush, and some other bands, pull you back from it and give you the will and the strength to go on.

 

Thank you, Lorraine. With Rush I feel a sense of belonging, and was amazed to see so many other people share that same feeling. I wasn’t expecting anyone to respond to what I wrote. Your words of compassion, as well as those of whom else responded (Did that even make sense?), has shown me there is still a glimmer of hope, and maybe it’s still possible for me to find happiness. I actually shed a few tears just because someone even acknowledged me. It’s a wonder I have any tears left! I was a little reluctant to post that at first, but I felt such a strong connection to GedsJeans’s story I felt I should. If this had been a face to face encounter, I probably would have recited everything I wanted to say in my mind, but never would have mentioned it.

 

Young lady, you are very young. There's all the hope in the world. I know how painful life can be, and I understand very well what it is like to have been beaten down to the point where you become an introvert.

 

You will find yourself feeling at home here in no time at all. Rush fans are among the nicest persons you will ever encounter.

Edited March 12, 2014 by Lorraine

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Inter, you are among your own kind here. Some, like myself, are not comfortable bearing their souls on the worldwide web, but that doesn't mean we don't and can't relate to your pain.

 

Isn't it incredible how Rush gave you the will to fight and go one when nothing else did? Music can do that for you. Some music seems to be designed to push you over the edge. Rush, and some other bands, pull you back from it and give you the will and the strength to go on.

 

Thank you, Lorraine. With Rush I feel a sense of belonging, and was amazed to see so many other people share that same feeling. I wasn’t expecting anyone to respond to what I wrote. Your words of compassion, as well as those of whom else responded (Did that even make sense?), has shown me there is still a glimmer of hope, and maybe it’s still possible for me to find happiness. I actually shed a few tears just because someone even acknowledged me. It’s a wonder I have any tears left! I was a little reluctant to post that at first, but I felt such a strong connection to GedsJeans’s story I felt I should. If this had been a face to face encounter, I probably would have recited everything I wanted to say in my mind, but never would have mentioned it.

 

Young lady, you are very young. There's all the hope in the world. I know how painful life can be, and I understand very well what it is like to have been beaten down to the point where you become in introvert.

 

You will find yourself feeling at home here in no time at all. Rush fans are among the nicest persons you will ever encounter.

 

Thank you. : )

[x1yyz]

Geds Jeans & Intermolecular Reality: I just saw this thread and read both your posts. Thank you for sharing your stories, and I hope you find a friendly place here with likeminded people. I've only been here a short while myself but the people seem nice and they have good taste in music :)

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Geds Jeans & Intermolecular Reality: I just saw this thread and read both your posts. Thank you for sharing your stories, and I hope you find a friendly place here with likeminded people. I've only been here a short while myself but the people seem nice and they have good taste in music :)

 

Thank you, x1yyz. You are right, everyone does seem quite friendly here, and anyone who loves Rush definitely has good musical taste in my book. : )

[RushFlyer2112]

IR, my name is RushFlyer2112, let me tell you by welcome to TRF and I am so very sorry about your life but you can live and have fun here and there is hope

[Blue J]

Intermolecular Reality- another very brave post. No need to feel fear about expressing yourself in such a way here- you are among friends.

 

Keep that positive perspective you have, after all that has happened in your life, and you will make it through just fine.

 

Aw, thank you, Blue J. That was a very kind and thoughtful statement. : ) It's difficult to maintain a positive outlook at times, but I try to remind myself that I will never be able to move forward if I continue to dwell in the past. Gee, that's almost a bit of a paradox! The present is the result of the past, and the present is the past.

 

"How can the past and future be, when the past no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity." - Augustine of Hippo

 

Oh, believe me, I know how hard it is to maintain the positivity sometimes; I do. I've talked about that in this thread and a couple of others on the forum. All of us who have shared our own stories here you are free to read, of course, and I hope you'll find that there's a lot in the rest of the forum to be enjoyed. There are some wonderful people and very good friends to meet here.

[Moonlit Dreamer]

IR, my name is RushFlyer2112, let me tell you by welcome to TRF and I am so very sorry about your life but you can live and have fun here and there is hope

 

Thank you, RushFlyer2112, nice to meet you! Yes, there will always be hope. The sun will continue to shine as long as it exists, but we tend to forget that on life's rainy days.

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Intermolecular Reality- another very brave post. No need to feel fear about expressing yourself in such a way here- you are among friends.

 

Keep that positive perspective you have, after all that has happened in your life, and you will make it through just fine.

 

Aw, thank you, Blue J. That was a very kind and thoughtful statement. : ) It's difficult to maintain a positive outlook at times, but I try to remind myself that I will never be able to move forward if I continue to dwell in the past. Gee, that's almost a bit of a paradox! The present is the result of the past, and the present is the past.

 

"How can the past and future be, when the past no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity." - Augustine of Hippo

 

Oh, believe me, I know how hard it is to maintain the positivity sometimes; I do. I've talked about that in this thread and a couple of others on the forum. All of us who have shared our own stories here you are free to read, of course, and I hope you'll find that there's a lot in the rest of the forum to be enjoyed. There are some wonderful people and very good friends to meet here.

 

It definitely helps to read other's stories and realize that we aren't alone in our struggles. The mind is a great illusionist, and we can easily become victims of ourselves. Wow, I'm terrible at coming up with expressions, lol. I don't even know why I bother.

 

"The world may never know."

[LyndseyG]

Welcome to the forum Intermolecular Reality!! :hi:

[Moonlit Dreamer]

Welcome to the forum Intermolecular Reality!! :hi:

 

Thank you, LyndseyG. I enjoy cross stitching too! I've been working on the same one for a year now... I'll finish it one of these days!

[Brucey]

I've just read this thread in full for the first time, and I must say, this is better than any book I've ever read or any movie I've ever watched. It takes a lot for something to really move me, but here I found myself fighting back tears of joy, sadness and hope throughout. My heart genuinely goes out to all of you who have opened up on this thread, if I or anyone else needs motivation ever, this thread is the place to turn and Rush is the band to listen to!

[Lorraine]

I've just read this thread in full for the first time, and I must say, this is better than any book I've ever read or any movie I've ever watched. It takes a lot for something to really move me, but here I found myself fighting back tears of joy, sadness and hope throughout. My heart genuinely goes out to all of you who have opened up on this thread, if I or anyone else needs motivation ever, this thread is the place to turn and Rush is the band to listen to!

 

It is an amazing thread, isn't it? And it is a thread that should be copied out and bound, and then handed to Alex, Geddy and Neil so that they know, I mean REALLY know, what their music has meant to and done for more than a few of their fans.