Frank Giaramita
12/05/05, 12:14 PM
Andrew McMahon recently updated his blog (www.jacksmannequin.blogs.com) and you can find the update below:
12.04.05 Let the sun shine
As we transition into the full swing of this holiday season, I'm caught on a simple subject; Time. It occurs to me that of the past 5 years 3 or 4 of them have passed in the blink of an eye, not to say without appreciation, but certainly neglectful of the kind of deep breaths that help you slow down and realize what it is we are all rushing through; life. I suppose it isn't strange these past 6 months have been the longest I have known, but it's because I lived every moment of it. Not much blinking. On Friday I celebrated the 100-day anniversary of my stem cell transplant and a new lease on life, a life that I believe will keep me breathing deep for many years to come. For those who don't know, Friday was the first night I performed for an audience since my diagnosis. It's hard to pin down exactly what I was feeling onstage that night, but whatever crazy mix of emotions were running through me, it was a joy to share them with my friends family and those of you who were able to make it. (hats off to the many of you who traveled long distances to be there). The gifts I received from so many of you, especially the star registry and Blayne's box of post cards, were extremely moving and all I can say is thank you so much for caring. I must also offer a debt of gratitude to the 11:11 AM crew who has currently raised more than 5000 dollars for cancer research with their bracelet sales. I can only hope that what I've learned this year does not get lost as distance grows between myself and the hardships I have faced. One thing I know to be true is how amazing it felt to play for people again, and as overwhelming as it was in some respects, it just felt so natural. What a lucky guy.
12.04.05 Let the sun shine
As we transition into the full swing of this holiday season, I'm caught on a simple subject; Time. It occurs to me that of the past 5 years 3 or 4 of them have passed in the blink of an eye, not to say without appreciation, but certainly neglectful of the kind of deep breaths that help you slow down and realize what it is we are all rushing through; life. I suppose it isn't strange these past 6 months have been the longest I have known, but it's because I lived every moment of it. Not much blinking. On Friday I celebrated the 100-day anniversary of my stem cell transplant and a new lease on life, a life that I believe will keep me breathing deep for many years to come. For those who don't know, Friday was the first night I performed for an audience since my diagnosis. It's hard to pin down exactly what I was feeling onstage that night, but whatever crazy mix of emotions were running through me, it was a joy to share them with my friends family and those of you who were able to make it. (hats off to the many of you who traveled long distances to be there). The gifts I received from so many of you, especially the star registry and Blayne's box of post cards, were extremely moving and all I can say is thank you so much for caring. I must also offer a debt of gratitude to the 11:11 AM crew who has currently raised more than 5000 dollars for cancer research with their bracelet sales. I can only hope that what I've learned this year does not get lost as distance grows between myself and the hardships I have faced. One thing I know to be true is how amazing it felt to play for people again, and as overwhelming as it was in some respects, it just felt so natural. What a lucky guy.