Himmmm Discusses Dolores O'Riordan
As many of you may know, Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries died in a London hotel room today. This hurts me on so many levels, not least because she was an amazing woman, intrepid talent, fearless artist, and incomparable mother and friend. I have known her for many, many years and she was tough as nails and fiercely loyal. The kind of person we need more of these days. I could share an entire book about the antics, fun, and crazy things I experienced with this beautiful Irish midget - my Shamrock (her preferred nickname out of dozens we traded over the years). I have an entire disc of photos of her that show her beautiful happiness from ages ago. Right now however, she leaves behind a family that is stricken and shocked. "Do" had suffered from some personal problems for many years, and had struggled against demons inside herself each day. She beat those back for years. We spent many nights talking right up until sunrise about struggles and strength, about faith, life, love, and the universe. It crushes me to know that those demons got the upper hand in some way, shape, or form. But I prefer to believe she didn't lose her battle - she just got worn out.
So I wipe my tears with a fond smile and wish love and peace to Don, who still loves her very much as I know she did him too. His pain has to be enormous now and I hope he can carry it. And to Fergal who was her rock - I hope he can know peace as well. Most of all I wish peace and strength for those three beautiful children. She loved them more than anything, and they were her inspiration and fuel so many times when the darkness overwhelmed her.
If you have time today, just listen to an old Cranberries song - like DREAMS or any song - and know the real woman behind that voice/music has gone, never to bless us again with her talent and friendship. But she left her mark on the world, and everyone who knew and loved her. She's in a better place now, and has left her fight back here. Bless you "Do", and rest well my Shamrock as I hope to again see you another day to laugh and love as we did when we were younger. If any of you readers here know someone struggling with any problem, on the edge and slipping - hug them today. Give them a call just to let them know you're there for them. It may be enough to overcome their demons and give them strength to carry on. Our connected world has disconnected us all so much, and sometimes a human contact means the world to a hurting friend. So from all of the Himmmms, rest in peace Dolores, and Godspeed beautiful creature.
