This isn't the usual stuff that I chat about on my blog but this is what I'm feeling, and I need to let it out. So bare with me.
—————————————————————————
If you're aware that Chester Bennington has passed this morning then you know how sad of a day it truly is. Chester Bennington was the lead singer of Linkin Park and he passed away taking his own life due to some past demons he just couldn't shut out. Times like these really bring me back down to earth knowing that someone else is always fighting a more difficult battle than my own.
I grew up listening to Lincoln Park and I connected so deeply with the lyrics that Chester brought out in his music. He was so raw, real, and open about his issues and that transpired into his music. He connected to so many different type of people through his words, feelings, and brought us together. He was somebody who lived outside of the popular norm and wasn't debuting his life like it's some perfect fantasy. He was very upfront with his fans, family, and band members about his terrors that haunted him everyday. He was even seeking help for his addiction and depression. And to many others, he helped them get through such dark places in their lives and it's so sad to see someone so inspiring leave this earth. It is such a darker place without him.
My dad is an alcoholic and I had to deal with that every single day of my childhood. When you know an alcoholic you know how oblivious they are to their addiction and it affects you not only in that moment but later on in life. My dad was in complete denial and probably still is; never sought out help and it tore our family apart. Chester, on the other hand, knew he had issues and tried to fix them but the addiction was just too difficult to fight. Knowing that an addiction can give you turmoil to the point where you have to take your own life is very scary and I feel terribly sad for the people who are dealing with this, whether it be a family member, a friend, a lover, just somebody you know, or even you. Please seek the help if you can.
Depression, suicide, and addiction are no joking matter. If you know someone who is showing signs, please help them seek guidance and fight for their right to live even if they don't have the will.
Heaven gained an angel today.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/07/20/arts/music/chester-bennington-linkin-park-dead.html