Throughout the years, people come and go in life—some we grieve and some we forget. Then there are those immovable landmarks that stand by you when the sky falls and the world breaks.

My sister and my partner have been two loving and forgiving women in my life, who love almost completely unconditionally. For that, I can say I am blessed.

My sister recently sent me a song, knowing how emotionally moved I get by music. She probably knew it would make me cry.

Her husband has always been a friend and a brother to me. I’ve always loved him, and we share a love of music. Throughout the years, we’ve been to gigs, drank together, played in garages and practice rooms, and recorded bits and bobs.

The first time we went to see bands, their eldest son was very little. This week, the three of us went to see the now-reunited Blink 182, and my nephew is a young man entering his twenties.

In my life, I drifted from my family as I pursued work and different personal interests. If I’m honest, my addiction skewed most of life’s priorities.

At this gig, I felt a sense of reconciliation was at work. There is something deeply spiritual about music to me. It was a healthy coping mechanism that should have taken center stage in my life. There is no better way of expressing emotions than through song.

The band Blink 182 recently released the song “One More Time,” and as I said, the message of the song hit me. The reconciliation of their brotherhood, the forgiveness, and support are all through the lyrics. The healing of rifts and feuds between the members reminds me of the forgiveness that some permit me to walk in. The lyrics “do I have to die to hear you miss me” scream of the opportunity to work on relationships while we still have time.

Forgiveness is a choice, it’s a seat at the table, and there are some who refuse that invitation and can’t or don’t want to see beyond my past. But to live my amends until I can make my amends, I save the seat at the table, not closing the door in the hope that we may dine together.

The last few years, to me, have felt like battling back against an illness that could have been fatal. In my corner has been my team, my God, my loved ones, the fellowship of the new brothers I have gained through service and recovery, that number grows almost on a weekly basis.

Addiction is giving up everything for one thing, and recovery is giving up one thing for everything.

I have journeyed from grieving my imaginary friend that were my addictive behaviors and now experience real connection through service, love, and just being present for life. Life is an adventure when we reject the counterfeit.

Music became a source of pain for me years ago, but I now feel some healing and restoration is at work. That guitar is being dusted off, and the voice is finding volume once more.

Here’s to the next rock show.