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.