Dear MMJ: Thanks.

[el_chode]

I'd just like to express some thanks to all the guys in the band. It takes a band to make a song...music, words, atmosphere; the beauty of a song rarely flows from just any one member. Without any of them, past or present, none of what follows would have been possible.

I just had one of the most fucked up weekends imaginable. I basically found one of my groomsmen collapsed on the floor the morning of my bachelor party, dead from an overdose of a habit no one knew he had.

If there was one thing that kept me sane and kept me going after breaking the news to his wife and my fiancee and the police and anyone else, it was the music. I don't care what the songs are about, just the way they caught my fall and propped me up long enough to make it through another phone call...Strangulation, The Bear, Bermuda Highway, Where To Begin, Knot Comes Loose, PWW, Dondante, Smokin' From Shootin', Touch ME, all of it. All of it kept me going, broken up only by bits of Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi. I felt like someone else had been there and was guiding me through it all. It was ok to feel what I felt, where the words stopped helping the music took over. When I couldn't feel anymore, the music took over.

So, I don't know if anyone in the band checks these boards anymore, but thanks. This is the best way I know how to reach out to you, and paying $10 or $15 for an album is WAY cheaper than a bottle of Whiskey and a therapist.

- Choder

[Ruckus]

Thoughts and prayers to you and yours man

[BH]

Wow, sorry to hear that man.  Hang in there.

[Ghosts_on_TV]

Sorry for your loss man. I'd like to thank them for getting you through as well.

[Penny Lane]

I'm so sorry, Joe. Can't imagine what everyone's going thru.
We're all here for you if you need us.

[johnnYYac]

My thoughts are with you, El C.  Sorry for your loss.  Take care.

[lucylew]

So sorry you are going through this difficult time in what should be a joyous one.  

[the_wizzard]

EC, my deepest condolences.  I know what you are going through, as I lost 2 very close friends, unexpectedly, to drug overdoses.  One was even a case worker at a rehab facility.  Keep the music flowing, it will keep you sane.

[el_chode]

EC, my deepest condolences.  I know what you are going through, as I lost 2 very close friends, unexpectedly, to drug overdoses.  One was even a case worker at a rehab facility.  Keep the music flowing, it will keep you sane.

Hardest part: reconciling your friend with the addict. It's like two separate people. I don't know if Dondante is about that specifically, but the line "Behind thin walls you hid your feelings, takes four legs to make a ceiling like a thing" hit especially close to home. We all knew something was going on with him, but couldn't figure out what it was.

[weeniebeenie]

I'm so sorry Chode. Stay strong.

[iLikeBeer]

Sorry for your loss Chode.  Glad you have the music to get you through.  You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[capt. scotty]

Sorry to hear about this, and the timing is even worse. Im sure you will pull through it though. Keep the MMJ flowing!

[twofingers]

Really awful news man, I'm truly sorry to hear it. At least you can find solace in the music.

[SaraBananaBear]

So sorry for you, hope the music helps a little, take care!

[scosby2]

You're in my thoughts and prayers buddy!!

[Haldon]

terribly sorry to hear such awful news....
music has been a help to me in many dark times as well...

i'll be saying some extra prayers for you and your friends loved ones

[theninastorm]

Dear Chode,
Your post really resonates with me and my heart goes out to you. I completely understand what you're saying. The way their music wraps itself around your body, soul and heart is like nothing else I've ever experienced. I was at their LA show last night. Check out my post about that: http://www.mymorningjacket.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1281689535
I think you'll appreciate it.
Sending you positive energy and love!
Nina

[jahabe08]

I dont post here much but I am a frequent reader and I am in love with this band just like everyone else. Chode I am sorry to hear about your lose bud. I always enjoy reading your posts. MMJ always seems to cheer me up whenever I am down as well. My fav song is "where to begin" I could quote any line from that song and it would be an amazing quote. That song always cheers me up. Keep your head up and god bless.

[Soulshine]

I'm so sorry Choder-my thoughts are with you.

[ynwa]

really sorry to hear about this, choder.  my thoughts are with you.  let the music heal your heart...