I’ve loved SP since I was about 13, in 1995. Around 2018 my best
friend got is tickets to the show in Sacramento CA. Billy played For
Martha. The piano raised up on the stage. So many songs mean so much,
but this was big for me. My dad had killed himself a few years earlier
and I was still so deep in the grief. As an adult, in so much pain,  For
Martha meant something so different. Something 15 year old me could
never understand when Adore came out. The loss of a parent. The deep,
sinking grief. As you sang, I sobbed. I cried for the loss of my father
and I also celebrated his life. He bought my first concert ticket in
1995, to see Mellon Collie 🙂 Though you were most likely honoring your
mom,  it was a chance for me to honor my dad. It was a turning point in
my grief. Watching you play piano, so lovely. Your heart on your sleeve.
It’s a brave and sacred thing you do. You saved me from that grief. We
cannot linger in our pain forever. There is a place to feel and honor
it. Billy, you have been with me for so long. From a lonely 7th grader,
to an accepting and happy 43 year old woman. I’ve lost count how many
times I’ve seen you in concert. You’ve been there through love, joy,
loss and so much lovely lived life. There are not sufficient words for
what you have done for me. You helped me grow and truly saved my life a
few times when I lost hope. I cannot thank you enough. Sharing your
heart and gifts have made our world and my life better. A place where
our feelings can be real. And though I’ll probably never meet you,
please know you have walked beside me for the last 30 years and you are
like a dearest friend. I love you. Happy Birthday! I hope you and your
beautiful family celebrate with boundless love and joy.