Love is RAD

For the last 12 years I’ve been a part of an incredible band called After the Storm. It’s just been over a year now that we lost one of our guitarists who was also a vocalist and songwriter for our group. Neil Jarman. He was the heart of our band and losing him put a stop to us making music together. Although we hope to pick things up again, it will never be the same without him.  He left behind his incredible wife, Susan, and their beautiful 5 year old girl, Raya. At the age of 12, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and was treated with radiation which permanently damaged his heart. In the last year of his life he suffered a heart attack, underwent a triple bypass surgery, and finally attempted a heart transplant which failed and ended his life. Anyone who knew him knew that he was overflowing with life, adventure, and most importantly love. Love was undoubtedly the strongest theme in his music and in his character. At one point he had this beautiful idea to start a love campaign called Love is Rad. It’s the perfect phrase. Love IS Rad. It is the most powerful force on the face of the planet. It’s transformative. It’s enduring. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s the most meaningful gift to give and the most valuable to receive. Though Neil’s physical heart failed him, the heart he put into life is still beating in the memories that pulse through everyone he loved. If that’s not rad, I don’t know what is.