Like most people, I've had times of health issues - various surgeries - that kept me from performing for short periods of time, but the longest I ever stayed from playing professionally was after I moved to RI ... Having been in one band with four other players for 26 years, it was very strange to think about playing solo or with other musicians, and I did not play a gig for 7 years ... but I would sing and play at the piano for hours on end at home, and finally my wife convinced me I should go out and try to get some solo gigs, which I did ...
I just spoke with a very long time friend - he was the founder and drummer on our band in NY - who just had colon surgery, and has been diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer with multiple related problems ... besides, drums, he played and taught piano, led church choirs, etc. etc., and now can do none of it ... While we are both 'believers in our faith' I was still amazed to hear how positive his attitude is ...
I dealt with prostate surgery about 14 years ago, so I know what the word 'cancer' can do to your mind ...
while illness will take us down certain paths, what we do along those paths is still mostly up to us ...
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t.