I’m going to be okay because music has come back into my life. Until tonight I haven’t felt the hair stand up on my neck when I was listening to music. I haven’t been listening to music. My rhythms were not tight drum backbeats, they were of the sinus variety. Medical, not melodic with hospital smells stamping their not-soon-to-be-forgotten signature on what were formerly inoffensive packaged goods. There are soap and tissue smells that will instantly cause my gorge to rise. It takes months for that to go away. No matter how great the care, hospital stays just set a body back.
Riding in my car into a low sun with the volume at 49 makes me feel alive and hopeful. That I still remember every drum lick and lyric anchors me in the here and feels like order. I carefully apply a news governor on content. My life is about magical experiences with people I love and I am not affected a whit by anything ignorant or mean. I won’t let it rain on this blue sky. I only have time for joy.
Listen to me. It is much easier to be happy under these conditions. If you choose to do it another way, go ahead on, but don’t turn around and expect to see me standing knee deep in that shit with you.
I reconnected with a friend today. He’s got a friend with a fresh diagnosis. The fear of that news can be crippling and how you respond to it can have spectacular outcomes in your life. I do what I can every day to try to squeeze my spectacular into a north facing green arrow. A righteous Fibonacci Queen buy trigger. Apparently music comes with the trigger. I want that young man to know cancer will give you more than it takes. If you’re lucky. And, young brother, I’m living proof that you can make your own luck. But you have to learn to want it. Look into the eyes of the person you love the most and vow to do what makes you the happiest for as long as you’ve got to do it. Then put one foot in front of the other until you walk yourself into a place where smiles take zero effort.
Find your music. Look for joy. It is blatant when you’re looking for it. I’m seeing it almost on demand. We put our next magazine to bed today. Next stop is a monster Heidelberg press under the Duck’s steady gaze. I can’t wait for you to see it.
The Eagles are coming to Atlanta. Vince Gill in that mix has got to be unforgettable.
Betsy Covington says
August 16, 2017 at 10:38 pmLove you. You make me better.
Debbie Hinman says
August 16, 2017 at 10:50 pmWhat an inspiration you are to so many…sick and well! Love your writing!
Karen Zacharias says
August 16, 2017 at 11:26 pmYou bring me joy. You and your heart and your love of people and music.
Guy Sims says
August 16, 2017 at 11:39 pmI am glad you have your music back. Your post made me feel good.
Kim Farmer says
August 17, 2017 at 2:33 amI look forward to yourpostings. I got my tickets last night to see The Eagles/Vince Gill. I hope you and Jill are able to attend. Take care!!
Carter says
August 17, 2017 at 7:52 amMike, your message is inspirational for those not battling disease as well. Thank you.
Dianne Henry says
August 17, 2017 at 7:59 amMike, so inspirational, so right on strong!
I love and admire you! And your beautiful partner!
Eagles in Atlanta!! What could happen next! Hang tough!
Chuck Hasty says
August 17, 2017 at 8:00 amEloquence and truth in a potent, life giving melody – like a song you need and want to listen to again. And again.
Thank you.
Becky Ivey says
August 17, 2017 at 8:56 amMike, you bring joy to my life and I just call you friend. Jill is a blessed woman.
Cancer does give more than it takes….but only if we’re listening to the right music.
Bless you, my friend.
Renee says
August 17, 2017 at 9:38 amMike, you and your blog are so inspirational. I’m sure Mother Theresa has returned in the form of Mike Venable:) Happy that you have found your music again
Pegi Taylor says
August 17, 2017 at 1:55 pmMike, you give me a peaceful, easy feeling.
I. LOVE. YOU.
Geri M. Davis says
August 17, 2017 at 5:21 pmYour words made me smile. On the way home from a Doc appointment and not feeling so chipper…I cranked up my Phil Collins CD and jammed to “Another Day in Paradise”!
Had some folks at the stop light glance across at me as I sang at the top of my lungs and beat the rhythms on my steering wheel, Yep…by the time I got home I felt a hellava’ lot better! Music does that…Sing loud and long my friend! ❤️
Susan Morgan says
August 17, 2017 at 6:37 pmMike: I’m so happy for you. I have noticed how our world continues to shrink. By the way, I say we because this is so a family disease. I know your Jill feels the same way but Billy doesn’t really facebook. We will find out tomorrow if they have scheduled Billy’s surgery at University of Miami Hospital. It is very serious as they can’t tell until they get in his jaw how much necrotic bone has to be removed. But, these are the best facial cancer surgeons and they will transplant bone, if necessary.
Jane Jones says
August 18, 2017 at 8:07 amSo beautiful, so truthful, so loving. Music touches the soul and gives us hope. God is watching over us and He wants us to enjoy every moment he gives us. Bless you Mike for reminding us.
Connie Jackson says
August 19, 2017 at 10:26 pmMike, sometimes I forget that we can “choose” whether to be happy or crappy. You are the total embodiment of that thought, and it is one that I need to keep in the forefront of my life. Thanks for the reminder!!