Happy Birthday Great Big Sea (published in The Newfoundland Herald)!

Wow, where do I even start?

I discovered Great Big Sea at a time in my life when I needed them most. My parents were splitting up, I had been diagnosed with autism, and I never really did fit in at school. Finding GBS was a godsend. In their music I found a safe place, a place where no amount of bullying I endured mattered. I found people online with whom I had a common interest. For once in my life, I fit in and things finally made sense to me.

As I've gotten older, being a GBS fan has served me well. You see, being autistic, I don't like being in big crowds, but that changed when I started going to concerts. It was at concerts that I could forget all the negative things that might've been going on, and if only for a couple hours, have fun. I've done things I never thought I could do - I organized a get together in March of 2009 for people attending a show (and I'm still friends with most of them), and I traveled outside of Newfoundland (i was on a friggin plane, you guys!), and have a roommate (anyone who knows me well knows that I'm not easy to live with). I'm not saying I never would've done these things without the band, but having them as inspiration certainly doesn't hurt! And when I was at my lowest point, it was the music of Great Big Sea that saved my life. I truly felt like I was a burden on my family, and that I had no other options. I won't go into details, but I did attempt to take my own life. As I listened to Ordinary Day, I wondered how I could do such a thing. Life wasn't that bad, I just had to get up and keep trying. And even though I still have my struggles today, the music continues to be a part of the anchor that keeps me where I'm supposed to be!

Even though the band has gone through several changes since I first became a fan, I wouldn't trade a single moment of the nearly 13 years you've all been a part of my life. Thank you guys for everything - the music and memories, and friendships created along the way. They're a precious gift I will treasure always! Happy 22nd Birthday Great Big Sea! It's been one hell of a crazy ride, but I wouldn't trade a second of it!

12 Years

Important events. Everyone remembers them. First date, first kiss, first intimate experience. Likewise engagements, weddings and birth of children. And while those are all important for obvious reasons, I'd like to take the time to tell you about an event that has stayed with my throughout my teenage and now adult years.

I was still in high school, Grade 11, when I saw the poster on the wall near the office. As was my normal, I'd walk up and down the halls before class. My morning stroll, if you will. If the janitor, a fellow Habs fan, wasn't busy, we'd often chat. But on the morning of the 20th or 21st of May, something else grabbed my attention. Or should I say, someone.

An Evening with Alan Doyle & his guitar

Alan Doyle. I knew the name. It was familiar. My mother had one or two of his band's CDs in the house. I liked it well enough at the time, but I wasn't really what you'd call a fan. Still and all though, I figured it was a great way to spend a Saturday evening. I told my mother about it when I got home from school that day, and she was interested too. At $10 a person, it was a small amount for what turned out to be a rather enjoyable evening.

From the first note, he had my attention. Instantly hooked. Double whammy when Séan took his turn at the mic. I wondered why I hadn't caught on before then, but I knew that it was a case of better late than never, and resolved to get myself a CD as soon as humanly possible (Sea of No Cares had just come out in February). But it was when I heard "Boston and St. John's", that I knew I was hooked for life. I don't know what it was about the song, but it just swept me off my feet, and made me look at guys differently for the first time in my life. Yes I'll fully admit it. I think Alan Doyle is an attractive man. And I always will.

Now, moving on...

2 weeks later, I had my first GBS CD. More would follow. By May of 2003 (the day before Alan's birthday), I finally got to speak to him one-on-one. I remember him introducing himself and shaking my hand, and while I was cognoscente enough to shake his hand, I was altogether too nervous to speak. Somehow I managed though, telling him about my upcoming high school grad. I still remember his words that day " good luck with that". Those words have stuck with me ever since.

Okay, total sap fest, I know. But it is what it is.

It's been 12 years now, and through all the ups and downs I've gone through, Great Big Sea has remained a constant in my life. I've gained friends because of them, and seen some of those friendships dissipate. Others have died. There have been family issues, loss of pets, and they've been there. Their kind words have gotten me through. I honestly dont know where I'd be without them today. Probably wouldn't be here right now, that much is certain.

Thank you to every friend I've made through the band. We share a bond that is made stronger by the music.

And to the band, in past and present form- Alan, Bob, Murray, Kris, Séan and Darrell, I owe the biggest thanks of all to you lads. Thank you for making the music and giving me something to help through my darkest of days. No matter where your careers take you, know that you'll always have at least one fan that will always have your backs.

Slainté mhath, boys! Here's hoping life treats you all well!

Happy Birthday Great Big Sea

On a day like today, wishing my favourite band a Happy Birthday doesn't seem like enough. Especially when that band has done more for you than they could ever know. So, here's what I could say to them if I could:

Thank you. I know that seems like such simple words, but trust me, there are a lot of reasons I have to say thank you to you guys.

For years, I felt different. I was never a part of the in crowd; didn't stand out, didn't fit in. I just went with the flow I guess, doing what I needed to get through. Then one day at school, I saw something that would forever change my life. A poster, "A Night with Alan Doyle and his guitar". I knew the name, so when I got home, I mentioned it to my mother. Tickets were only $10, so myself along with my mom and now stepfather, decided to go.

To be honest, that was one of the best decisions I ever made. From the first note I heard, I knew I was changed. I felt a connection to the music, and more importantly my home. The music made me happy, right down to the very depths of my soul. And its that very same music that got me through a very rough patch in my life- a year that saw my parents divorce, my father threaten to kill my mother, me hearing it all and subsequently giving a statement to the cops and seeing my father get arrested. Anyone else would've cracked under the weight of all that. But the music got me through.

Being diagnosed with autism didn't help matters much. It was another thing that set me apart. I finished school, but struggled on where to go and what to do next. I hated crowds, and avoided them. But that was until I attended my first concert at Mile One on December 18, 2004. There I felt safe, accepted, and free. I was finally somewhere where I fit in, and when you struggle your whole life to fit in, that feeling is one of the most amazing things I'd ever experienced. And that hasn't changed in the almost 12 years I've been a fan.

When times were rough it was the music that saved me, much like a hand reaching out and keeping me from falling. Through the deaths of friends and family and my own personal struggles, you guys were there whether you knew it or not. And when I actually did reach out for comfort or advice, you guys have been there. I honestly don't know how to say thank you enough for that. From the death of my cat to a family struggle, your kind words have seen me through. In my darkest hour, when I wanted to end my life, something pulled me back. And I firmly believe it was your music. You've kept me going when I simply wanted to quit.

Its through you guys that I have become friends with some of the most amazing people, most of whom are now like family to me. These friendships happened because of GBS. My best friend is now my roommate, and is like a sister to me. That wouldn't have happened if not for you guys. Heck, I even met my now ex through you guys. I've experienced a lot cause of you all.

Even through the leaving of several members, I've never lost my faith in you guys. Somehow I always knew that you'd keep going. When others thought you were done, I screamed "no way!". I knew they were wrong. I thank God they were wrong.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. Happy 21st Birthday, and I hope you guys keep rocking for a long time to come!

Much love,
Krista
xoxoxoxo