I was at my friend Lals' house when I found out I would meet my favorite band of all time. I had been a fan since day one, since their first hit "One step closer." Back in the day I went to their concert in Phoenix and sang as loud as I could to every single word. I remember how amazing that day was! Snoop doggy dog opened for Linkin Park, he entered the stage riding a tricycle, I laughed so hard and was anxiously waiting for LP to come out. They were incredible live! Best show I had ever attended.
Life continued to unfold for me, their unique sound intrigued me and though it changed with the years, I continued to be a faithful fan. When I was sad, angry, happy, and any emotion in between, I would listen to LP.
Greg is a country music guy so he never "got" my love for Linkin Park music, most people who knew me didn't get it either. But I got them. Their incredibly talented sound just kept me coming back for more.
These guys sang loud, hard and with true emotion when I needed it the most. Through my travels, getting married, health issues, Losing my dad, and loved ones, through happy times. Their music was just a click away.
My precious first born singing their words, made me a proud mama, though my mother in law would tease me I was raising a revolutionist, 🎶 "we're building it up, to break it back down" 🎶 I was proud she had the same love for them.
September 2nd came and I could not wait to finally meet these six guys who I knew within me, these guys who's music had been part of my ups and downs. The whole experience seemed unreal and I began to think that the email might be fake, or we would run late for the meet and greet, or that something would happen and my big chance would never come.
But my dream was coming true, they transported us to another building, we were lined up and were given a few rules.
And then the big moment, the guys began to come out, I couldn't believe my eyes. I wanted to scream and be a total fanatic. But I kept my cool. They made small talk with each of us. When Chester approached me, I reached into my purse and took out an Arizona deck of cards I had brought him, a little something to connect to him. He was so genuinely thankful and kind with his words, he said they needed a new deck and placed it in his back pocket before signing his name on my cd cover. As he was walking away he joked about how cold Edmonton was in September. I remember laughing and saying "bye Chester."
Seriously on cloud nine, just meeting these guys we were taken back to the concert. I called Greg who I made sure was closest to the stage as possible holding our spot. I tried to get up to where he was but it was impossible, he had to come out of the mosh pit (he's never let that one go) and meet me at the side of the stage where I could rock out and sing as loud as I could to every single song from the past ten years! ONE OF THE BEST NIGHT EVER! My love for this incredible band just kept growing.
I never thought they would carry me through the most difficult time in my life. Before and After Jordan Grace had open heart surgery I listened to "Final Masquerade" on repeat. The words "the scars began to fade" had great meaning to me. I had been worried about the long mark that would be left after they opened her up to fix her. Her chest would always show what she had gone through. I always saw it as a bad thing. I remember the tears flowed like a river down my cheeks. Anytime I could be alone with the song I would take my moment to let it all out. Hoping to heal myself from the fear I had of losing her.
It's been one week since Chester passed away. My heart broke into pieces as I read on social media about this horrible news, it's ironic that Ana María, second biggest fan was with me at time. She saw the horror in my face as tears began to run down my cheek. She asked "mommy, what's wrong?" I was in shock and could not speak. I wasn't sure how to tell her. The words finally left my mouth and we hugged in the toy isle of Target.
I received so many texts and messages from friends who knew what a true fan I was. It truly meant the world to me to know that they thought of me as soon as they heard the news.
I cannot imagine his unbelievable pain the last moments he lived, all I can think of is our Lord embracing him with love, and taking all the bad he'd endured in his short life away.
Our actions, our words, our songs have an impact in this world. His cry for help all these years through his music helped to save millions, in the end as his pained voice sings "no one can save me now" he leaves a huge void in all those he has touched.
My heart aches for his precious family, his friends and us fans. Rest In Peace Chester and thank you for helping me through the trials and the triumphs. You will be missed.
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