times like these

Around 1PM yesterday I rolled over to El Recordo' Sto' for the annual celebration of all things vinyl....Record Store Day! The line was still super long and outside the store I ran into the expected group of goofbags (Juxton, 'Mercedes' Benzie, GingerBoy, Da Judge). Once inside I sat with Eddie The Painting Guy and Tony Beer. Within a few minutes we were delightfully surprised by the appearance of Andy "Blast Beat" Nigh and the always fun M "Insta" Graham. Within minutes we were also joined by One Man Party Johnny Donuts. We were drinking some beer and being raucous when some one hugged my from behind said "Holy shit. I cannot believe you are actually here!". I hopped from my seat and turned to see Gloree and Joe, the parental units of the Greatest (Family) Band In The History Of Ever The Rock-n-Roll Hi Fives. Two of the most exemplary humans the species has to offer. They had a grins a mile wide. We hugged for what seemed like an eternity. Their daughter is one of the two people it took to replace me instore. She told me "They ask about you all the time!". The last live show I saw before Covid-FU was RNRH5's in Wilmington. Not seen these guys in a couple years. We had a lively conversation that lasted quite some time. At one point Joe Hi5 asked me about MeMum (his Mom is in a very similar situation). As I explained things he noticed I was getting emotional. In mid-sentence he leaned forward and threw his arms around me. "We are so damn glad to see you. We love you, man". I know for a fact that statement caused me to leave tears on his shirt. Johnny Donuts came form his chair "I love all you guys. Even you, Chip" and we had a 4 way hug that lasted at least a minute. I heard so many "I love you's" yesterday I thought my heart would burst. I have been struggling with an underlying sadness at mom's issues and I have felt really beaten and unloved these past few months. Yesterday helped that change a little. So many people hugging me and telling me they missed me. I do not know what I have done in this life (or any previous) to deserve to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

I went to see Da Younga Sista to help move some stuff around her new (awesome) apartment. It took longer than expected as do most things when dealing with her. Lol. When I got home Erica asked me how my day had been. When I told her about the Hi 5's, Johnny Donuts and all the hugs/I love you's I broke down and sobbed. It's a beautiful thing to cry out of joy than pain.