Happy 2018 friends!
With January being the first month of the new year I plan on reflecting on previous year(s) to bring happiness to 2018 and years to come. Every year has its own emotional roller coaster and 2017 was no different for me.
It was filled with memorable experiences, heartbreak and joy that makes your heart beat twice the usual pace.
I can say with confidence I have learned that everything in life has its own purpose; a reason for happening. Though we may not always know the reason, the rationale exists.
My realization came when I entered a contest with 94.3 The Drive. I don’t usually enter contests, and if I do I can bet money I won’t win. However when I turned on the radio and heard a contest to see Tom Petty I had to at least try. The first time I called, it rang three times. The anxiety building in the pit of my stomach caused me to hang up. What would I possibly say if I got through?
The next and second last day to enter I tried again. The anxiety prevalent, but the excitement empowered all other emotions. To my surprise, I got through, initially saying I was caller 3 but putting me on hold. When he came back I was on the radio and being told I was caller 9 (what was needed to be entered).
The following Monday I heard my phone buzzing as I slept close to it. Peering over, I recognized the number. At first I questioned whether or not I should answer it ( I’ll admit, at times I can be a bit shy). To my surprise, I won. I won the trip to New York/New Jersey to see my all time, hands down favourite artist, Tom Petty, with Joe Walsh and Neil Diamond.
Choosing someone to join the fun was the easiest part of the process. My best friend who moved east was the only person I could think of. I had not seen her in two years since she moved. Not only did it make our friendship stronger, the trip allowed us to reconnect.
Why Tom Petty is so important
As a child my dad would pick me up and dance to Free Fallin’ with me in his arms. It became a regular occurance anytime that particular song came on. It was a way of bringing a sense of calm on bad days and to enjoy the good moments surrounded by family that cares about you. When I got too big to hold, instead of dancing, car sing alongs took place. Most recently, coming back from a hike in July my dad and I sang every Tom Petty song possible. I asked my dad if he could have anyone sit down and play guitar with him who would it be. His answer, Keith Richards. Mine, of course Tom Petty. Who else could I possibly want to sit down with me for an hour (hopefully more). I sat thinking long and hard about writing an email asking to teach a small town girl how to properly play the guitar, considering I taught myself Free Fallin’ and to be quite fair, its not the right chords. Tom Petty has had an impact in creating a bond with my dad, and for his music to help get through difficult times, and creating new and fun memories.
Needless to say October 2nd was difficult. Tom Petty’s passing would be the most difficult celebrity passing. However, it put life and the trip into perspective.
For months I couldn’t figure out why I was so special to win this contest. I even tried entering more contests to see if I could win. (The answer — no, every time).
I was so fortunate to be able to travel to New York, to bring my best friend and most importantly, see my biggest celebrity inspiration for a final time. I may not have been able to get my message to him about playing together but I will forever cherish and hold onto my experience and memories. I am forever grateful. That truly made my year.
From the bottom of my heart, I will forever be grateful for the experiences of 2017.
open your mind to everything while being attached to nothing.
I apologize as I realize I published this almost a year later. I had this sitting in my drafts but felt it was a good read.
enjoy xo
