Answer: Because we have to.  

 

Also, because occasionally we're lucky enough that something we create connects with people.  You probably saw the video for my song September 12th that I posted recently.  (If not that's your cue to click that link and watch it!)  Many of my friends shared the video on their facebook pages and in turn their friends did the same.  I received some of the nicest notes and comments from people I've never met and never would have otherwise.  One in particular really struck me that was posted on my friend Janis' page.  It said:

 

 

I've always heard that it should be the goal of the artist to give voice to the person observing the art.  I never really understood that until right then.  

 

So what's your art?  Do it.  

 

Because you have to. 

 

Peace,

 

MDC

 

 

 

 

 

No, that’s not a typo. I meant the 12th not the 11th. Lots of stories, papers, songs, etc. have been written about September 11th. But very few, if any, about September 12th and the days that followed. It has always struck me that from the ashes of the most cruel, hateful and inhumane atrocities rose some of the most kind, courageous, loving and humane acts I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. It seemed for a moment that people actually looked past each other’s race, ethnicity, politics, social and economic status and saw each other for what we are. Human beings. I mean, for Pete’s sake, I saw fans at a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park singing “New York, New York!” If that doesn’t say it all I don’t think anything ever will.

 

Those few days obviously changed the lives of many people forever especially those who lost loved ones. I was very fortunate to not personally have any friends or family in those buildings that day. Of course, having lived most of my life within 30 miles of Ground Zero, I know lots of people who did. Still, the events that took place had a profound effect on me. 

 

My parents died when I was young (Dad at 13, Mom at 20) and yet I still hadn’t grasped the uncertainty and frailty of life before that. I decided then to use the time I had been given to pursue the only real passion and dream I'd ever had. Music. It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made and I often try and remember to thank the souls who lost their lives that day for inspiring me to live mine. 

 

Almost nine years later I finally released my first full length CD and named it “It’s About Time.” Of course, the obvious reference of the title was to the fact that it had taken me 40 years to get around to it. But what it really meant to me was “It’s About…TIME!” The precious, unknown amount of time on this earth we’ve each been given to love what we do and who we are with. I decided to include a song I wrote called “September 12th” and in honor of the upcoming anniversary, I’ve put together a YouTube video to share with you. 

 

My hope is that on September 11th we take time to remember our brothers and sisters who lost their lives. And that on September 12th we take a moment to think about how we want to live ours. 

 

Peace, 

 

MDC