This is a record of the ups and the downs; the struggles and the achievements; the laughter and the frustration and what it takes to break into The Industry...the radio industry that is.
Difficult Day
If you follow me on Twitter (@mitchhawes) or on Facebook, you would know that today was not the most pleasant day. The 16 year old son of a family friend, passed away last weekend. I wont go into detail, but needless to say, this week has been challenging. Today in particular, as we all came to celebrate the life of a kid who left to soon.
Death is never something we like to talk about and it is definitely something we don’t encounter every day, especially with someone so young. It puts a lot of things into perspective. The cliche “life is short” comes to mind. My only experience of death has been with older people, where it was more of an inevitability rather then a surprise. I don’t wish the feeling that has been going through my family and my parents friends family, upon anyone. However, tragedy and hardship can teach us a few things and it certainly taught me a couple.
Love unconditionally. Love people for who they are. Flaws, habits or just because they make you smile. The challenge and the lesson is to share it. Make it known that you love someone, forget assumptions (you know the saying… if you assume you just make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”).
Talk and Listen. Things happen. We get caught up in our daily lives. Whether it’s stress from trying to find a job or meeting a deadline, life happens. One of the greatest gifts that we can give to one another is our ears and our hearts. Turn your blackberry off and focus on what’s really important. Share how you are feeling, so you don’t find yourself surrounded in the darkness and be the person someone can come to, to find the light.
Live. Be proud, be strong, be happy and be healthy. Live with an open heart and an eager mind. Embrace whatever struggle you encounter with strength and use your inner power to overcome it. There is nothing that cannot be conquered as a family.
It brought tears to many peoples eyes this afternoon to look around the hall and see that one kid’s life could bring an entire community together. Close to 400 people showed up to support the family. So many, a cop showed up to direct traffic. This put a knot in my stomach. If he had affected this many people by age 16, I can’t get over how many he could’ve touched in a full life.
Again, this has been a difficult week for my family and the hundreds of other people that were touched by the life of this young guy. With this said, he has left a legacy that we can all learn from, even if you didn’t know him.
Go in peace.
-Mitch
