Are You Really Celebrating THAT???

There is a line to an old Soul Asylum song from 1992, where lead singer Dave Pirner sings "I tried to dance at funeral, New Orleans style". Even at 14 years old, that lyric struck a chord. In my younger years, I took it personally when people would loudly laugh at wakes while others were weeping. I'd always think "What could possibly be so fricken funny right now"?

When was the last time you laughed in the face of something awful? Something tragic? You have. We all have. Did you ever wonder WHY we do that? As I got older, I simply couldn't handle tragedy anymore and simply found something, ANYTHING to laugh about but the more I think about it, the more I realize it's more complex than that.

Last night, during a regular Rock N Soul Tarot class, my students and I covered the Four Of Wands. The question I like to ask when teaching this card is, "Who comes to mind when you think about coming this far? Who was there for you during the most crucial moments"? Personally, almost everyone who I can say played a significant role in my first 30 years is no longer here to share the stories. Does that mean I can no longer celebrate the concerts, the wild nights, the brawls and the debauchery? The tragedy of losing them didn't erase the countless times these people had my back, and taught things about life that I still apply to everyday situations. For that, I look back on these memories and I celebrate. Life is always hitting you. When you learn to laugh at being hit, those punches hurt a lot less. For years I felt guilty about being one of the last ones standing. Today? I celebrate the chance to share memories of these amazing friends. I look forward to a chance to explain why certain songs matter, and what specific tattoos mean. I CELEBRATE these memories because I can be happy, they happened more than I choose to be sad that they ended. If you ever want to spend four minutes smiling at the re telling of someone else's memories, check out Southside Johnny's "It's Been A Long Time" Yes, these stories are about 1960's New Jersey but they could easily be about you in your hometown. It's Southside Johnny singing with the songs author, Little Steven Van Zandt, and some guy who calls himself the Boss. Three old friends in their 40's reflecting upon a time where things weren't as successful but sure as heck were fun

"Its Been A Long Time Since We Laughed Together

Its Been A Long Time Since We Cried

Raise A Glass To The Comrades We Lost

My Friends Its Been A Long, Long Time"

Not everyone made it, but that doesn't mean they aren't a big part of the story. Tonight, might be the night YOU need to celebrate the laughing, the crying, the living, and the dying.... because when all is said and done, it's

all a part of YOUR story