Prayer changes things and miracles happen every day, a 12 stepper musician friend reminded me as he set up his equipment. The bar was already jammed with musicians and fans and friends, all there to raise money and support a local guitar player recently diagnosed with cancer - the very best of the region's players gave their time and talent without a second thought - telling stories, playing their hearts out, passing the hat, offering prayers and get well wishes. The air was blue with cigarette smoke but hip deep in hope.
We aren't promised much in this earthly life but struggle and disappointment and it's tempting to blame what we don't understand on God or fate, easy to be angry at the unfairness of it all. Weariness makes us easy targets - we are frail creatures, made of bones that break and flesh that doesn't always heal - optimism often eludes us and dreams hang just out of reach. We lose those we love, work all our lives just to break even and keep body and soul together, and in the end, it's all out of our hands. The one joy and redemption, inevitable outcome aside, is that we make a difference even if we don't see it or reap its rewards.
My friend Danny has touched lives and made a difference - small acts of kindness, encouragement for young and struggling musicians, persistence and dedication in the face of adversity. More than once he's lost his way and found it again and on balance has given more than he's taken. Confronted with an evil illness, he keeps faith, stays upbeat and positive, and continues to fight his way through. And though he isn't at his own benefit, his immune system being fragile and his body in need of rest, his essence is everywhere. He has learned to love trouble and giving up is something he doesn't know how to do.
He's leaving for home soon, going back to California and his roots, to the place where his music started. We will be poorer for his absence.
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