This is a story of how a rock band literally helped to save my life. The band itself doesn't know that I exist, yet they were (and still are) integral to me being here to write this little story. When I couldn't get up, the thoughts and the soul of these songs lifted me up.

U2 are like a lifeline to me. I first discovered U2 in 1987, when the Joshua Tree came out. I loved this album like everyone else did. Time and obligations took hold of me and I really didn't truly know all that they had to offer until I discovered Achtung Baby. Unfortunately for me, I was a little late doing this (1997!), so I missed seeing Zoo Tv live. In 1997, Pop came out and I was overtaken by everything U2! I devoured everything that I could find about this Irish band! I bought every album and discovered all the differences and fantastic roads that I could be taken on by them. I had finally found something to focus on other than the pain. I discovered Achtung Baby on my 35th birthday. It was a gift to me and I was just blown away! I remember thinking and telling people that it was so dark, so sexy, so cool. Wow, underneath it was so deep and spiritual. It remains today to be my favorite U2 album. Every time I listen I still get blown away! I also saw my first U2 show live that year. It was Popmart and I just couldn't believe it. My seats at Giant's Stadium weren't that great, but I still got chills down my spine. I was lucky enough to be pain free for the two hours that just took me to another place. The show started two hours late, at 10 pm. I didn't get home until about three am, but it was well worth it even if my fiance was making my funeral arrangements thinking that surely I was dead! My fiance couldn't come to the Giant's stadium show with me, but I knew he would be blown away by it as much as I was (well maybe not that much!). I had a PLAN!

In a couple of weeks the band was playing in Foxboro stadium. I set my plan in motion. Reserved tickets (b section on the field, not too bad), made hotel reservations, and then saw about the train trip. We made it there with a few glitches, we almost couldn't get a cab from the hotel to the stadium, and no ride back! The show was outstanding. It was U2's last US gig before their break and then on to Europe. They were relaxed and so much fun. They really rocked us! The lemon was directly in front of us, and it was hilarius to see it when it opened and the guys were just standing there, looking like action figures! Then they went into discoteque, and everything went alien and heavenward! It was electric and the Edge really shook his flat little behind! Bono was no sloutch as he thrusted for all he was worth! My fiance was an instant convert! We have shared many U2 inspired times since then. Many an afternoon or evening was spent listening or more often watching Zoo Tv or Rattle-n-Hum. I can't leave out Mexico-fo, that's what we call the Mexico City show. I went to see Elevation with my daughter. It was her first concert (at 19) and she was blown away by it. I think that she might be spoiled for other bands! On the way home on the subway she was singing halelluyah over and over. It truly was a thrill. I wasn't feeling so great at this time, but that night was a shining moment in the darkness, for me. All that you can't leave behind, was and is an inspiration for me. So many of the lyrics ring true in my life. I truly was stuck in a moment that I couldn't get out of for 8 long years. Now that I'm out of that terrible place, I still find healing in these songs.

My mother passed away this past March. When I came home from her funeral someone was watching mtv and the video for walk on was playing. I sat there and watched and just wept my heart out. Once again, this rock band was helping to heal me. I do believe that we can feel the Spirit through these gorgeous tunes. As I said before, I'm much better now. I'm still on this journey trying to find out what my place in the world's going to be. I still find inspiration in U2. I'm kind of looking for a taste of everything now. God plays a big part as does nature and just living day to day life. U2 is always there for me when I need to look inside, reasses or just rock my ass off. I'm blessed to have my life, which I almost lost. I'm also blessed to have my family around me, they played a big part, too. This music and this ideal seem to be in my blood. If I ever met the band, I would like to thank them for being there for me. Like I said at the beginning, they don't know me, but they have helped to save my life. I thank them.