"Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. (A Tribute for John 'snommintj' and Our Community

In my ever-going search for music and lyrics that can be “adapted and applied” to our cancer journeys, I have found another song that so perfectly fits and describes how we have felt at one time or another since we all started this mess.

The message is poignant and still relevant – the words are very deep, strong, and powerful. And that’s just the way that I like ‘em….Real.

I was motivated to do this as I’ve been hurting for some time but have not reached out – I’ve just been quietly going about my business and fighting my fight. Just been walking down that Long and Isolating road. And sometimes that can be a bit too much, even for a hard-core fighter like myself. Rather than reach out for myself, I turn inward and quiet. It’s a character flaw, but then you guys know how messed up I am anyway, right?

The other night, John (snommintj) opened a post about “When Is It Ok to Throw In the Towel?” And his post has been rattling around inside my head since. Perhaps, it’s because I’ve seen a side of John that I’ve never seen before – and it touched me in many ways. John expressed a degree of vulnerability to his character and it has made me think more of him than ever as a result.

Perhaps, I saw this big, tough, ex-marine, and figured that nothing could puncture his hard exterior. John has been through a lot – has blazed many trails for all of us – and has fought as tough as any person that I know.

So, I’m dedicating this song to our fellow Cancer fighter, John, in hopes that he will listen to this song and gather the strength necessary for him to continue on. I know I’ve been listening to it and trying to do what the words tell me to do – “HOLD ON!”

This one is for you, John, and for the rest of the community as well.

“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. is available for play out on my Expressions page.

Sincerely from my heart while it still beats:)
-Craig