Open letter of thanks to Kelly Joseph and Laura Dun
02/16/2017
Where to start...
I obviously don't know either of you personally. I hope I don't overstep at all with this post. I have just been feeling this overwhelming urge to write it.
We share a bond as moms. Whether we know each other or not, we still know the same love and yearning for our respective children's health, happiness, and success. We may be at different stages of their lives as parents, but I am certain the feelings remain regardless of their ages or ours. I just want to point out something that you probably already know and don't need to hear from a stranger, but regardless... here it is... your sons are wonderful. They have changed my daughter's life with their music.
I want - no, NEED to thank you for that.
I know all parents think their kids are rock stars. In your case, that's obviously 100% accurate. While mine aren't in the global spotlight, they are still rock stars within our own realm. My son is still very young and is thriving in 3rd grade. My daughter just started middle school. Her report card just came home with straight As for the second marking period in a row in her accelerated academic program. She kills it on the basketball court and is becoming such a great artist, it amazes me.
Pure. Rock. Star.
But there are plenty of times when she doesn't think so. Like a lot of teenagers, she can not see what I see on more than a few occasions. She can not feel the happiness I feel. She does not think she should. I know this because I had the same feelings when I was her age. Maybe you did, too? I don't know.
I'm not going to pretend to know what your sons were like before their fame or even before their desire to make music took over. But from the lyrics I've heard and the hearts they display so boldly on their sleeves (well, arm in Josh's case considering I don't think I've really seen him with many sleeves) I can tell they are true to their Few/Proud/Emotional stance. I can tell they have been through some thoughts that may not have been easy for you to take comfort in as their moms.
I just want to thank you for being there. For raising these boys (and of course all your other children as well) to be kind and share their gifts with the world. I truly believe they were put here for the purpose of hope.
When my daughter started listening, like really listening to twenty one pilots, I secretly started listening too. I wanted to know what could possibly be taking up so much of her time? Why was she suddenly immersed in red and black clothes and drawing little skeletons and aliens? So I listened. And I got it.
I love how every song not only acknowledges pain, but then takes it further to explain that it's ok. It's ok to feel the way we feel sometimes. Sadness isn't the end. Sadness can be overcome. I love that every song gives that hope to my daughter. By making it all so upbeat and light, it just makes it all seem much more acceptable. Not as scary.
There are so many times when I just don't know. I don't know if "I'm fine, Mom" is accurate. I am grateful that she has your sons' music to turn to when she doesn't know either.
So thanks. For being their moms. For supporting them so they can support so many.