A year ago today, my best friend, partner in crime, confidant, and I were excitedly planning what would be our first ever road trip together, not including driving to Indiana in 2020. I had never driven cross-country before. Last time, I was able to keep my mouth shut. I was able to keep my plans off the internet, and tried my best to keep them out of mind.
This time… I have no such self-control.
This morning after little to no sleep, I proudly purchased the tickets for Angel and I to see Citizen Soldier, once again, only this time… in Chicago. I am still giddy and high on good emotions. And why shouldn’t I be?
If you don’t know the band Citizen Soldier, I highly, highly suggest looking them up. Their music is unlike anything else. Some bands will do one or two songs about mental health but, Jake and the guys are all about mental health. Not only is Jake Segura, the lead vocalist, and writer of their songs but, he’s a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in complex trauma. He is truly a bright spot in a dark world.
When Angel and I met him, and the band, in April of 2022 at their Salt Lake City show, they honestly changed my life. If not for this band, I would have never driven to Canada when I did to pick up Angel. I never would have driven cross-country with her, and we never would’ve seen Utah. We drove first from Chicago Illinois, to Winnipeg, MB to get Angel, from there, we spent a few days at home in Illinois for easter, and then we were off. Jake, if by some strange miracle, you get your hands on this post, this is your sign not to stop playing music. You’ve changed my world.
We never would have driven through Iowa, gone to Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, or Kansas.
Sure, there were ups and downs.
I’d never seen, let alone driven through mountains before, and that was terrifying. I’d never stayed in a hotel room before “alone” or without parents- or booked one, much less having to deal with a travel agency fixing a horrendous room full of mold that was dirty, and nothing like the original listing. We never would have gone to the Midway Crater and swam for an hour in what was one of the most peaceful, and memorable experiences of my life. And we never would have met you, and the band.
When we told you how far we’d come just to see you, you signed our posters, and gave us your drum tops for that night. You hugged us, and spoke to us, even though you didn’t know us. Everything about that night was perfect. It didn’t matter that I’d struggled to park, or that some rowdy fans kept pushing into us, or stepped on my bad foot. Seeing you made everything worth it.
We cannot wait to see you again on April 18th.
I rode that high all day- to the grocery store with my brother, and home where I made dinner. At this point, I’ve been up far longer than I should have been, bordering 30ish hours at this point but, I don’t care. Those tickets made my day, my week, and my year so far. It’s little things like this, having something good to look forward to, that keep me going. So, thank you. Thank you for your music, and your time, and your kindness.
Finally. I’d like to say that there is an immortal cricket that has taken up residence in my bathroom. Simply because I find it hilarious. I do not know where it came from and didn’t even know it was there until I had gone to use the bathroom earlier, and it jumped on my leg. Naturally, I freaked out, and smacked it away. My brother though, had the funniest thing to say when I told him about it, and I’m still lowkey giggling over it.
I told him that I had fought a whole war against this cricket, and he asked if I won. I told him no because despite being smacked across the bathroom, it still hopped away. He said that I should have won. I agree but, that’s not the point.
He then yelled, “Who’s the one that got smacked?!”
Maybe I did win, a little bit.
Pain level is at an 8.5 but you best believe I’m still on cloud nine..
-Sky
Skyla N. Lambert
Author | Blogger | Bookworm | On Cloud 9
E. skylanarissalambert@gmail.com
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