So I have somethings to say. I want everyone to know that I enjoy all your stories, meetings, photo’s, art and interactions with Mikey. I want to thank you again for that. What I would like to write about is music. I have spoken a few times about music and that I have not listened to it as much as I use to. I have started a bit to listen again. Those of you who have been at the house, in cars or at shows know I have listened for a bit. I do have to say that has been mostly for you. I haven’t until now put on music by myself. So to those of you who are worried that I’m not really ok, I am. It’s not good or even really fine but it is ok. I’m ok to think maybe I could turn on the radio and not burst into tears. Not that I do or have, like I use to, but at least I’m thinking about it. One main part of the trouble for me is that I hear Mikey telling me I’m the most musical person he knows who doesn’t play or sing. He’s right of course I don’t play or sing but what he ment was I loved lots of music. I use to sing to him funny songs as a baby and as a teen I use to remind him of that, and we would sing them. Here’s one SKID A MA RINK
SKID A MA RINK A DINK A DINK, SKID A MA RINK A DOO, I LOVE YOU, SKID A MA RINK A DINK A DINK, SKID A MA RINK A DOO, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU IN THE MORNING AND IN THE AFTERNOON, I LOVE YOU IN THE EVENING & UNDERNEATH THE MOON, SKID A MA RINK A DINK A DINK, SKID A MA RINK A DOO, I LOVE YOU,
There has always been music around even before he was born. My mom use to tease me that I would take my record player every where if she would let me. So this has come about because I was recently stuck in traffic. I mean stop non-moving and I thought turn on the radio. So I did. As I listen it wasn’t to bad if they didn’t bring in commercials it might not be bad. So I heard Ted Nugent, ZZ Top, Bob Seger, and no commercials so not so bad. Well for the next 35 minutes I listen, enjoyed and was able to once again move to a normalcy since Mikey’s passing. I did think of Mikey of course, I smiled, felt the sun through the window shield, and it was ok. I was ok just listening not thinking, not making lists, working, contacts, daily household things, like us all we have so much to do. But for that short part of time I just listened. So for those of you who are worried again for now I am ok. I hope to keep improving to what could be considered normalcy and everyday is good and bad. Music will hopefully continue to come back. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and help. Love Kathy
Dear Kathy,
You don’t know me. But I’ve followed your son for quite a while now. In hearing of his passing, I didn’t immediately think of a loss to music as much as I did to his family and friends. Just like when Tupac died- The first thing I thought about was his mother, Afeni, and the pain she must be dealing with. I know with us fans, it’s easy to be selfish and just want our artist we love so much back.. but having lost several friends in my life and having had the pleasure of their mother’s being close to me, it’s just natural at my age (I’m 34) to think of family first.
So when I saw you taking care of Mike’s page it made me remember friends of my own and some of their moms and how hard it was for them. I can’t claim to know what you deal with on a daily basis, I can only presume. But what I do know is that you’re doing better than you know. The only thing I can suggest if that’s ok? Is to give yourself a break once in awhile. Because while I know taking care of your sons page and affairs, etc. keeps you connected and you love doing it- It can be hard to let yourself heal and step away from time to time. I hope that came across right and you didn’t find any disrespect in that. It’s not a proven statistic.. but there’s something about true mourning and the time frame of three years that seem to play hand in hand. I wish I could explain what that means.. but I can’t as I’m sure it’s on a case by case basis and everyone copes differently. I’ll spare you the cliche’s of time heals all. We already know this.. because it’s true.
Just know that you’re loved, admired, respected, and most of all- appreciated across the globe by those of us who do still play your sons music every day. Just knowing that we can come and see a new picture once in a while when someone comes across one does us all good. It’s like a verse that Mac Lethal wrote: “We all die twice. Once when we stop breathing and once when you forget what I’ve written.” We will never forget what Mikey wrote. And we will never forget you either! Thank you for everything you do, Kathy. Just know that you can step away when you need to and none of us will judge you for it. Your son was blessed to have you as a mother.
The only other thing I want to say is- I genuinely regret never having got to meet him. He was a late discovery for me.. but he’s had a profound effect on my life this past many months. He’s the reason I’ve decided to start producing tracks again and am assembling my studio as we speak. Anyways, yes, we worry about you.. but we also know who you are and how much metal you have. There’s no way a talent such as your son could have come from a woman like yourself that didn’t possess so much inner strength. So remember that. And remember that you’re not just here for us, but that we’re here for you too!
Sincerely,
Lathan Hites
Des Moines, Ia
Kathy…! My sister has been singing that to her son that was born on October 8th since he was born. I hadn’t heard it in years. Small world. Glad to hear you are exploring your creative side again.