Thank you to the bands that saved me: It’s crazy to think that something that seemed so inconsequential at the time would be one of the most important things in my life. Each of you came to me at a time when I was stuck in some of the darkest places in my life, and I would go so far as to say that you had a hand in bringing me out of them. When I was upset (whether I was angry, sad, lonely, suicidal, or just plain broken) I knew that I had somewhere to run to. Your songs reminded me that even though life may be bad now, there are other people who are going through the same things. If you reach out to them you can help each other through them, and that may be one of the few reasons I am here today. I found hope in the lyrics and comfort in the music. I also realized that I don’t have to feel like it’s me against the world or that I have to do everything on my own. When I wasn’t feeling well, music was therapeutic to me and I can’t even begin to show you how thankful I am that your music was there when I felt that no one else would be. I always thought that everyone would leave me eventually because they couldn’t understand my pain or didn’t want to deal with how broken I was. When I listen to music, I have an outlet to vent to, a shoulder to cry on, and a safe place to run away to. You gave me the courage to speak up about my experiences, both so that I could get help & in hopes that I could do for others what you had done for me. Because of you, I am more open to others and this has had an immensely positive effect on my life. Before I only had a small spark that was threatening to snuff out, but now I am happy to say that my little spark is on its way to becoming a wildfire. There are so many things in my life that I owe to you and your music, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the life I have found, the experiences I’ve had, and the friends I’ve made since I found you.

This isn’t to say that my life is completely perfect now- I still have days where I don’t think that I can go on much longer, where it doesn’t feel like it could get much worse or will ever get better, but now I have a healthier way of coping with life. Before I would just bottle everything up until I exploded or I would take it out on myself in ways that I’m not proud of. Now, I can work through hardships without compromising my own safety.

I just want to thank you for all that you do, your efforts have had more effect on me than you could possibly imagine (I would also say on others as well). I hope that someday I can tell you all this in person, but even if I did tell you, I doubt that I could ever even come close to expressing how much I am grateful for all you have done.