I’m glad I’m writing what’s going through my head and weighing heavy on my heart versus talking about it. I have a lump in my throat and can hardly see my computer screen through the tears in my eyes after watching the story of 18-year-old Zach Sobiech this morning. We all know someone who has lost the battle with cancer. I lost two people close to me, but to quote the documentary’s director a bit, I don’t remember them for how they died, I remember them for how they lived.

Zach passed away this week from osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, but left behind something very special. He wrote songs for his family and friends, but one in particular called “Clouds” went viral on YouTube, and caught the attention of a documentary filmmaker eager to tell his story– What an inspiring story it is!

It’s no secret that music is a big and very important part of my life, so when I heard “Clouds” this morning something about it tugged on my heart strings. Then I found out the story behind the song and it led me straight here to share it with others. Anyone who has talked to me about my passion for music hears the same words come out of my mouth, “Music is a language everyone speaks– It unites people despite our differences.”

Nothing in life is guaranteed. Life is short. Watching Zach’s story got me thinking about my own life and the legacy I’d want to leave behind. No one is perfect, and I’ve changed a lot over the past few years, so I can only hope that with each day I continue to become a better person and someone remembered for being a fun, positive influence on people’s lives. Personal experiences the last two years quickly molded the way I am towards people and one thing always sticks with me– You never know what’s going on behind closed doors. 

Zach said, “You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living.” That resonates with me because often times we all get so caught up in other things that we forget to stop and enjoy that we’re alive. I’m challenging myself to spend less time attached to my phone, laptop, and TV, and spend more time appreciating what’s around me. It’s no secret that I live a pretty interesting life. I’m beyond humbled every time an old friend or stranger talks to me about an interview they watched or album review I posted, and I definitely don’t say this enough, but THANK YOU! If it weren’t for the encouraging words of support and the amazing foundation of friends I have, this blog and my interviews wouldn’t have happened. To say my life is a blessing is an understatement.

Watching Zach’s documentary reminded me that I can’t take anything for granted. The problems I have in retrospect really aren’t as bad as I make them out to be when there are people out there fighting for their lives knowing that the day will come when they don’t wake up. Please take the time to watch Zach’s story. I’m warning you that it is a tear jerker, but it also brought a few smiles to my face.