Another year has gone by. You're turning 49, you son of a gun. As each year passes I learn more and more from your music.You never fail to amaze me. If I were a medium, I would feel your presence within me, but I'm just a regular person, thinking about a person who I think means a lot to me. The news of your life ending broke on my first birthday. We were both in the same area for a total of 11 and a half months, but, never encountered, because how the hell could we? But today should be joy filled as you're so close to reaching the half a century mark. And although you only lived a short 34 and a half years, those years counted greatly to the lives of many. Whether it'd be family or friends, fans and even people who've passed. A life although sad, may never be overlooked. I love you, Layne Staley, for the strong soul you were. That will hopefully never change for me. You are like the father I never met nor had. Thank you and happy birthday.
