Thank you Chester Bennington

As I am sitting here letting my brain become accustomed to no psych medication, which I will write once my brain and body has flushed the remaining parts of it out, I am watching Linkin Park music clips and marveling at the pure genius that Chester was.

Chester was a tortured soul and tragically took his own life in July 2017.

His voice, utter brilliance.

Chester will never know this but I owe him and his bandmates a tonne.

February 27, 2013.

I was four days out of hospital and Linkin Park where in Melbourne. I armed myself with a $99 ticket, anxiety sky rocketing and took my single seat just to the left of the stage, a great position to be in to watch my all time favorite band.

I knew that I wasn't going to be able to just sit back, watch, absorb and enjoy. I knew it was going to be a very real challenge to remain seated, to stay present, to not melt down with anxiety.

There were times when I was right on the edge of an anxiety attack but through Chester's voice, I was able to control it. Could I have controlled it without Chester, no chance.

There were other times when I was at ease, comfortable, my old self, loud music, cheering crowd, but this would be torn down because of who I now was, a diagnosed post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression sufferer who really had not many ideas on how to live with it.

I still remember parts of the night and look back with a smile.

The lessons that I learnt that night, I will remember forever. After a decade of climbing symptoms resulting in a complete mental crash and hospitalisation and having my world turned upside down, one of the most powerful lessons from that night, the old me was still there. He was alive, I just had to give him more power and to overcome this.

All of these years later, I look and smile.

Am I sad that Chester took his life, absolutely. For his wife, his kids, his friends, his colleagues.

Am I sad that I will never see Chester sing again, well I am just glad that it happened. Grateful.

There are millions that would love to have seen him perform but never will. I got to see him three times. I am a lucky one.

Rest in peace Chester and thank you.

Be well.