The band Rascal Flatts announced a reunion tour today. I am so glad they will share their music with their fans maybe one more time. I am not sure if you are like me but many of their songs defined critical times in my life.
“I’m Moving On” is my favorite song of theirs. I’ve actually written about that one before. Just know that if you are reading this, “I’ve dealt with my ghosts and I’ve faced all my demons.” After therapy in an office and in a tattoo chair…..
“I’m finally content with a past I regret.”
Today I want to talk about their song “Skin.”
It’s “HOCO” (aka Homecoming) season as the kids like to say. I love seeing all of the HOCO pictures on social media. The elaborate invitations. The pictures at some perfect place. The joy and smiles.
I think the song “Skin” by Rascal Flatts hits me different. You have to listen to it to understand why.
I’m older now.
I don’t attend homecoming.
But the subject of cancer is still very real and present. I hate cancer.
I have friends that have beat it. I have many that have not.
I have been blessed to be in a lot of weddings in my 54 years. Sadly, I have been the pallbearer in more thanks to that dreadful disease.
I think “Skin” hits me because that is the human spirit. I would guess most of you reading this are no longer in high school. I might even go so far as to say that we’re likely planning our kids HOCO dress, invitation and events.
I would also guess that we’re walking through someone that heard the “C Word.” I hate the “C Word.”
To those in that journey, fighting their battle, I’m with you. Your friends and family are too. You are a hero. You are not alone. You are never alone. We are with you.
To those walking with someone in the journey, I’m with you too. I see you. You are loved.
To those that have lost someone in that journey, I’m with you.
Until the final hour we will never know why this dreadful disease exists. What I know is that those that hear that word fight with a courage and spirit I can never understand. I know that those in their village rally, dig deep and find strength to be there no matter what.
We might not attend homecoming or prom anymore like the song says. What we CAN do is what the song says. We can arrive at the door, or bedside, or hospital letting those fighting know that a diagnosis doesn’t change our love.
It will steal many things, but it won’t steal our commitment, our love, our friendship and our care.
If you’re fighting that battle today, know that you are loved. You are seen. You are never alone. Fight like hell. This journey that you are on is inspiring others. Fight like hell.
You don’t fight alone.
AARON CONRAD 