May your organs fail before your dreams fail you

I think February 26th will be a celebration for me, sort of like a rediscovery anniversairy.

It might sound silly because, all I really did on that day last year was talk to Frank Iero. I held up a sign asking him to talk to me and he said yes. But that’s precisely it, I just held up a sign. The simple act of holding up a sign got me to talk to one of the most influential people in my life. Holy shit. 

I didn’t realise that it was that much of a big deal until I got home. And it opened my eyes. It made me realise that, with hard work, motivation and determination, I can do almost anything I want. It’s like that talk with Frank was the last kick in the ass I needed to get my shit together and start living and enjoying life. And I did. Even though the last year has been with ups and downs, I’ve enjoyed it more than anything else. I remember almost everything that’s happened since then, and I appreciate so much more.

So yes, that conversation was a big deal. And it wasn’t just any conversation to me. If you’ve read the interview, you’ll know we talked about a variety of random subjects. But it was real, so real. You know how you have these conversations with people in everyday life and they don’t really stick in your head, or the other person doesn’t really get you. You’re talking, but not listening. 

This was nothing like that. For those twenty minutes, it seemed like the world stopped for a bit. I might be a bit dramatic in stating that, but I don’t think you’ll understand what I mean until you’ve experienced it. And I don’t mean talking to someone like Frank, a “celebrity” if you will. No, I mean having a conversation with at its center mutual respect and appreciation.  I was completely amazed with Frank’s attention for my words, and looking me in the eye the entire time, maybe averting his eyes only a few times to take a sip from his drink.

I don’t know, I almost feel like I may be exaggerating things, but in my defense, I’ve never experienced a conversation like that ever. I’ve never felt so appreciated in my life. I never realised conversations could be like that.

Oh well, as time goes by, it starts to feel more and more like a dream. I keep forgetting little things and find myself surprised every time I do remember something that’s not in my write-up. But what I know I’ll never forget is his smile. His initial smile on stage, his grin as he came around the corner to greet me, his chuckle as he joked and his humble smile as he thanked me. So warm, so honest.

I’d like to think that one day I’ll get to meet and talk to him again, and thank him for saying yes. And tell him what the great consequences have been.

So yes, I’d like to take today (or tomorrow, depending on your timezone) and celebrate it. This is the day I woke up.