Bobaflex, I’ve been friends with 3 of these guys for almost 20 years, and another one for over 10, and most of my friendship tree comes through them.

The Lonely Ones an offshoot of Bobaflex, different sound but still amazing humans.

Friends

I’ve been pretty blessed for a lot of my life. This is going to be, hopefully, more of a gratitude post than anything else. Hopefully, with a bit of hope and promise that life does get better if you are struggling.

If you had told me as a bullied middle/high school kid that I would have quite a few friends and the varied experiences I would have with them, I would have never believed you.

The last few days of seeing a fair amount of them have really brought the memories back.

From the musicians on the stage, the crew members selling merch or doing the production work, the radio people, and the people who have worked at the different venues where I have seen shows. It truly blows my mind and humbles me that a lot of them have not just become acquaintances or even friends, but are closer to family.

They helped me as an alcoholic, and most, if not all, helped me as I got sober. They have supported me not just with the work they do but with kindness and support, helping me celebrate my biggest highs and get through some of my lowest lows.

I have helped load/unload gear, sell merch, and introduce bands on stage. I have been on the radio and in music videos. I have traveled across the country to go to shows and support, and even saw a private show that a band always puts on for their family and hometown friends in their parents' backyard. I have even been on cruises and enjoyed Central America and the Caribbean with some of them. They accepted me, my son, and my wife, and I couldn’t have predicted that life would turn out as it has.

The friendships I have made have helped shape me into the person I am today, and my gratitude makes me hope they receive as much benefit from my friendship as I do from theirs. One thing I have learned as I have gotten to know my friends as people is that they are indeed people, with all the complexities of the rest of us. I have also learned that I have been blessed to find good humans who are also talented.

Life is a wild ride, and I have been extremely blessed. Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a great week.