Listening to the playlists while doing homework can have its benefits. I listen to everything from Mozart to Metallica, everything in between. Back in 2008, I met a named Martin. It was during a time when my life was changing out of control crazy. It was so strange, we were opposites and didn't know each other long, but somehow his friendship has left this enormous footprint on my soul. I felt an ease with him. He reminded me it was okay to live and laugh. He saved me from giving up on life.
One night, we were taking a mutual friend to an appointment and decided we would wait in the parking lot. We were talking, and then Bob Seger came on faintly over the radio.
All of a sudden, it was like Martin switched into character, I couldn't help but be surprised and entertained all at once. He began singing on key and as a rock star wannabe. He was singing "Traveling Man," which I didn't know most times, turns into "Beautiful Loser." That night was so much fun. I can close my eyes to see this memory playing again. Such a tiny event in my life and yet, the effects have never stopped coming all these years later. Martin passed away in 2009. I felt my heart explode. That man helped me learn and know more about myself more in that one year than I had in my life to that point. He taught me how to breathe again and how to remember who I really am. We lived next door to each other, so we spent a ridiculous amount of time together. I can hear some of Martin's wisdom ringing in my ears when I am about to make dumb decisions, and it makes me smile. He's still saving me from myself. When I hear these songs, it makes me think of him.