I asked my wife over the weekend, who is s psychologist, why Im so bummed about Neils death. Ive never met him. He likely wouldnt want to have met me as he was very private. She said, its both part of your childhood thats now gone, and also pushes your own mortality into the forefront. Im in my late 40s and my kids are growing up so fast. And she is right. And it sucks. Thanks for posting this. When I heard the news Friday afternoon, I admit, I shed a few tears. I felt like a part of me died. After a few minutes, I thought I must be out of my mind. I didn't lose a family member or even a friend I knew. What right did I have to be so upset when Neil's family and friends were filled with grief? Three days later... I'm still bummed. Then, I read your wife's response. I'm not so bummed anymore. Now it makes sense. I'm lucky that my parents are still alive and in good health. I forgot that they, nor I, will live forever. Neil's unfortunate passing was a reminder that we are not immortal. I was 12 when I became a Rush fan. Now, I'm almost 48. That part of my childhood may be gone, but I'm so glad Rush's music was a part of my childhood and adulthood. I will always have the music, the videos, and the memories of the many concerts I attended over the years. For that, I will be forever grateful. Maybe this line from the movie Almost Famous sums it all up?: "To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts."
