I hope you don't mind me straying from the usual news articles and sales figures here for a moment. I feel I need to let out a few words to get some emotion that's been weighing me down for awhile.

For the past few weeks, Exile has been been constantly "spinning" on the CD player and on my Zune (yeah I own a Zune. Big deal.). This album has been a form of comfort for me in this time of grief, sadness, and confusion. The reason why is that exactly three weeks ago , my nephew was killed in a car accident. This loss hit me hard and it was difficult for me to see his mother and the rest of our family go through this difficult time. While I knew that friends and family were there for support and comfort, I personally felt I needed something more to help me grieve. Music can be a tool for healing and this is where the band and album we all love come in.

On a whim, I started playing Exile and started to skip around to certain tracks. I looked for certain grooves like Tumbling Dice's to get me through a rough moment or the entire day. If I had a rare feeling of a spiritual nature, Shine a Light would get a spin. Other songs like Rocks Off, Rip This Joint and Happy had that fast, driving beat that gave me the adrenaline rush I needed to go through really somber moments and think more positively. Loving Cup and Sweet Virginia were songs that made me feel really good and able to express feelings that I could have never done in the past. Eventually I would play the album straight through, like I'm doing now, and start to feel better. I've laughed, smiled, cried, grieved, and danced my sadness away to the various songs from this album. I don't think any other album from any other band could ever make me experience such joy and pain.

I have to say I love this fucking band, the Rolling Stones. This album may have been recorded under turbulent and uncertain times, but it helped this person cope with the loss of a wonderful person who won't ever be forgotten. I may never get to meet Mick, Keith, Charlie, Bill and Mick T., but I have to thank them for recording this diamond in the rough. Thanks for letting me get this out.

TREY:
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, FOR STRENGTH, AND COMFORT.

Trey, I know words are useless at times like this. I'm glad the music is helping you through, though. Hang in there, kid. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

So sorry to read this sad news Trey, be strong and close to your sister and family

BTW... I moved your message as it will be buried soon in the other thread

That's life, my love.
That's life.
Thank GOD we have the Stones to help us cope.

hugs,
LJ.

       

I'm glad you posted this, Trey. Don't ever forget you have us, this other crazy family, to lean on.

Sorry for your loss, mate.

" ..  my nephew was killed in a car accident. This loss hit me hard and it was difficult for me to see his mother and the rest of our family go through this difficult time. While I knew that friends and family were there for support and comfort, I personally felt I needed something more to help me grieve. Music can be a tool for healing and this is where the band and album we all love come in.  "

I am sorry for your loss and offer my heartfelt condolences to your family and yourself .