I’m not gonna lie; it’s been a rough week. For me and for many.
It started on Tuesday night while my band was getting ready to begin practice. Our drummer Jamie McDonnell said he didn’t feel well. A few moments later he collapsed. An ambulance was called. He passed away early Wednesday morning.
Jamie was one in a million. He had a smile for everyone. He cared. He found joy in life and in music. He had a true passion. He was a great man. And he may have been the finest drummer I’ve ever played with.
The music community here is a small one. Musicians are an interesting breed, and with a small community there exists a bond that is…unique, I think. Jamie Mac was/is a giant in that community.
Then to top it all off, yesterday came the news that a major local Employer, Web.com, would be closing it’s doors here after 18 years. That’s almost two hundred jobs. Another hit for our small, struggling region.
I am by nature a happy person. An optimistic person. But I’ve spent that last couple of ways walking around like a zombie. like I was in a dream that I didn’t quite believe.
This morning the reality sunk in. I’m unbelievably sad. And in a situation like this, I’m sitting here wondering what to do.
It’s a dark time. But we can’t let the darkness win. In the darkest times is when we need to shine the brightest. Let’s all do that.
Every day someone is hurting. Every. Day. We need to be mindful of that.
I love radio. Part of the reason why I love it so much is that it’s my small opportunity to bring a little sunshine to someone. If I can do that, then in some small way I have fulfilled my purpose in life. I hope I have.
So that’s all I have. In closing I give you a couple of Youtube videos of my friend Jamie Mac.
Thanks to Lynn Hemeon for allowing me to share these with you.
