Inspired By a Dying Man

Inspired by a Dying Man

By Emma Heller

Here’s a man who stands on stage

Here’s a man who sparkles in glitter

Here’s a man who bears his soul

We are looking to you for answers

Is it coming through your instruments?

Is it coming through your song?

Is it coming through your heart?

Does he see his life so limited?

Does he see a life well lived?

I see a man whose life is limited

I see a man whose life is well lived

When he is gone, how will he remembered?

As a man who lived life to the fullest

Or as a man whose life was taken

Almost nine months ago, Gord Downie, head singer of the Tragically Hip, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a form of aggressive and incurable brain cancer. Downie underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation in hopes to prolong his life. Since then, obviously, he's endured a lot of difficult times, and he had been fighting hard," the band said in a letter to fans. These past nine months have probably been the worst months of Gord Downie’s life. Yet, he continues to perform, continues to enlighten his fans with his touching music, continues to pursue his dreams. Gord Downie not only inspired people through his music, but he inspired people through his perseverance in a difficult time. Downie inspired Canadian’s to open up about glioblastoma, and cancer in general. Downie inspired millions and he inspired me. I want to follow my dreams, and after seeing what Gord Downie has accomplish, I feel is necessary to not give into difficulties or obstacles. Gord Downie certainly did not.