As many of you would be aware, today is
R U OK? Day and I'm sure there are others like myself on AFF, who are part of the 10+ million Aussie adults who know someone who has died by suicide. I've been listening to Linkin Park's album "One More Light", and in particular, its beautifully poignant title track.
During an interview in 2016, Mike Shinoda, one of the band's co-founders, revealed that he had worked with British songwriter Eg White on the song "One More Light" while fellow band member, Brad Delson, attended the funeral of one of the band's friends. During the writing process, Shinoda told White that the only thing he could think about was the friend who had passed. Shinoda went on to reveal that in spite of the horrible inevitability of loss, the song is about letting people know that you care.
After lead singer Chester Bennington's suicide on July 20, 2017, the band selected "One More Light" as the album's second single. Shinoda wrote "One More Light was written with the intention of sending love to those who lost someone. We now find ourselves on the receiving end. In memorial events, art, videos, and images, fans all over the world have gravitated towards this song as their declaration of love and support for the band and the memory of our dear friend, Chester. We are so very grateful and can't wait to see you again."
So today, take a moment to check in with your friends and family and let them know you love them and are there for them.