History and Enlightenment: Part 3
Unlike many of my friends who work on tours, I’ve had the opportunity to be at home with my family for every Thanksgiving and Christmas of my lifetime, and this year was no exception. I was lucky enough to be able to fly home for a few days for good ole turkey day, and my family was very happy to have me. We have many traditions at home during the holidays, but one that always stands out is when we tell what we’re thankful for over Thanksgiving dessert.
This year, on this tour specifically, I realized how blessed I really am. Of course, I’ve always known how incredible my family is, and I’ve always known of the misfortune of others, but I’ve never had it in my face as much as I did when giving free medical tests out for the Walgreens Wellness Tour. I couldn’t believe how many people didn’t have health insurance. I couldn’t believe how many people didn’t have the means to eat or bathe or clothe their children in anything but what is no better than a step above rags. Although I can’t truthfully say everyone was that grateful for us being there, the vast majority of people could not have been happier to see us. There were a few times when people’s glucose levels or blood pressure was so bad that we had them referred to a doctor or emergency room immediately. I can’t remember a time when I’ve ever had to seriously worry about my health, let alone if I would eat or be able to put real clothes on my back. Sure, there have been times like on Warped Tour when I didn’t have access to a shower every day, or on smaller tours when I was trying to survive off of $10/day, but some people would kill for $10…and I’ve always known that, if I really needed it, help was just a phone call away. This is what I am most thankful for in my life.
It felt so amazing to be able to help these people in even the smallest way, but despite knowing that I helped make a difference, I still feel like there is so much more I have left to do. Those of us blessed with any kind of wealth have a responsibility to share that wealth with those who are less fortunate. Living in Los Angeles leaves me with barely enough to keep my head above water, but what I do currently have is the time and energy to, at the very least, spread the word. I hope that everyone who reads this will take the time to look at their lives, discover what it is they have an abundance of and share it with the rest of the world…even if their only abundance is love.
Also last month, there was a serious situation with one of my friends in which she felt so helpless and unimportant that she tried to take her own life. In moving around so much, I’ve never really given myself enough time to form a strong core group of friends, but I realized recently, for the first time in my life, that is exactly what I have. Like family, we have our little squabbles and life sometimes gets in the way of seeing each other on a regular basis, but when a situation requires it, we are there for each other in an instant.
The end of the year is approaching, bringing about a time when many turn and reflect on what they’ve accomplished during the previous twelve months. However, what I’ve accomplished is nothing compared to the lessons I’ve learned and the friendships I’ve made. I know that, a few posts ago, I wrote about learning to be alone. The truth is, though, that no one should ever have to feel truly alone in this world. Your life is a gift…a miracle, really…and everything that happens just leads to something else, eventually putting you exactly where you are supposed to be. You have the power to make that place a good one. In the long run, it doesn’t matter what you believe in the way of religion or politics…what’s most important is that you never stop believing in yourself. There are people who love you, even if at times it seems as if there’s a dark cloud over your head and no one could possibly care. I sincerely hope that after this whole experience with my group of friends that they’ve learned they can count on me no matter what…I’ve certainly learned I can count on them. As far of the rest of you out there, as the beloved Disney classic, Toy Story, would put it, “You’ve got a friend in me.” (Which is improper English, by the way…it should actually be, “You have a friend in me.” Just clarifying!)
Whether I haven’t spoken with you in a long time or not at all…if you have done me wrong or had no involvement in my life whatsoever…please, do not be afraid to reach out to me. I am a firm believer in that you can never have too many friends and also that there is something you can learn from everyone. My e-mail is on this site, and I have a public Facebook page. I’m not always available to get back to you right away, but still know that I am here.
And to that certain friend of mine…I hope the number one thing you’ve learned this year is to love yourself. You have so many friends who know how incredibly special you are, and we will continue to do everything in our power in order to help you see the remarkable person we see every time that we are around you.
Until next year, with all my love,
Lindsay
