Within the last week of writing this entry, the musician Tom Petty died. This is not the first, nor will it be the last musician whose passing has left me with some sadness. It is definitely not on the level of losing a family member or someone close to me, but it creates this weird feeling that does bring me down somewhat. Even though I don’t know any famous musicians on a personal level, there are quite a few that feel like old friends because of their music. Their music helped shape my history – the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. They are part of the soundtrack of my life.
As a result of his passing, over the last few days I have been listening to some Tom Petty, and it has brought back some great memories of earlier times. And it has been nostalgic. There is some sadness there, but there is also some happy reflections on a simpler time. A time of my youth. And, there is also the promise of sharing this with my child, which in fact we have already started to do.
There is something about music that is therapeutic to me, and I am sure a lot of people would agree. There is even an official music therapy practice that is used to help treat people. What is it about music that can heal? I am sure there are many textbooks and papers to explain, but personally I don’t have a great answer. I just feel it, and because I feel it, I know it. It is one of those few things in life that I just know. Musicians unfortunately come and go, but the music they leave behind can heal and transform. They can also contribute to the soundtracks of many lives, and that can be therapy for so many of us.