It's never too early to say thank you.

July 22, 2017.

  The loss of Chester Bennington was another shock and sad news story to read Thursday morning. My fandom for Linkin Park was more during my preteen years, during the time I first started to struggle with balancing life, friendships, and mental health (which I didn't quite realize at the time). His death flooded my mind with two specific thoughts: the reasons why I listened to Linkin Park and how both sad and scary it is that people don't have the ability to reach out for help or have the support system to try to seek the right resources for them. I still have yet to lose a close family member or friend, so some of this worry was also triggered. I attempted to make it clear to my Facebook friends that I am always available as a listener for those who need it and to remind them that mental health is very important.

Chester Bennington's most recent Twitter profile photo.

  After having a few personal and professional struggles this week, reliving the negative junior high years was definitely not needed. Even so, I still felt the need to scroll through my Facebook feed to read how my "friends" were responding to Chester's death. One post, in summary, stated that we shouldn't wait until the person has passed to share our admiration and love or to say thank you. This reminded me of part of my life goal, to meet the well-known musicians, filmmakers, authors, and actors who have been positive influences in my life. I've been lucky enough to do this many times this year with musicians. And, I got to do it again last night.

Scotty Johnson of Gin Blossoms

  I was fortunate enough to visit my friend, Julie, in her neck of the woods for a Gin Blossoms show, my second this year. Robin was nice enough to visit with fans at the first show I attended, and he greeted fans again at last night's! This time around, I just wanted to put a face to the cookies and Buckeye candy (yes, I brought sweets for the guys!) I dropped off before the show.

  Jesse was out and about briefly, and I said thank you - in my, he's famous so be chill tone. I wish I had the courage to actually go in depth and ask about his writing style. (Noted for next time!). Robin is such a cool dude and, of course, a very good musician. We chatted, I sounded like a fool, we praised the new songs, and he and Julie conversed about a local band.

  Before Julie and I parted ways, we quickly chatted with Scott, the drummer, to say thanks and ask what the band would like as a treat at the next show I attend. He was also very kind and a joy to meet, though I was too shy to ask to take a photo with him. Next show, I'll be sure to stand in a better spot to get a good photo or two of him in action (I have a new fascination with drummers these days!)

Julie, Robin Wilson, and I after the show.

  At the end of it all, Gin Blossoms was an important part of giving me back the light I lost this week. The few others who took the extra step this week to give me the remaining fuel I needed to shine again will also be getting praises from me. The Facebook post about showing appreciation and saying thank you couldn't be truer. It's never too early to do this. If you're able, do it!

  Now more than ever, with the ability to connect with others via the web, we can write out our thoughts and post them. There's a good chance he or she will see our message depending on the popularity of the well-known influence. In person is even better, but it doesn't mean any less if we can't. It's the effort and act of doing it that means the most. Kind words and little gifts of appreciation can go a long way. Especially, especially, with famous people, their creativity comes from dark places in their lives, and being vulnerable with the world is probably difficult; I'm thankful they're willing to express that so I can connect and cope with whatever I'm dealing with in my own life. As we all witnessed with Chester, they are human just like the average Joe. So, treat them as a real person, just another friend.

  Also, please please please remember to take care of yourself on all levels: mentally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually.