Those Who Came Along

the Spirit Safe

Those Who Came Along

Jackson Jackson, Justin McRoberts, Kyle Ingham, Mick Leonardy, and Melissa Vargas—thank you for giving your voice and your melody to the music!  

 

These are the people who came along this two year process with words of encouragement and actions of love.  And these are my words of gratefulness.

Melissa–my love and my encourager, for believing in me when I don’t believe in myself.

Jackson–for your friendship and taking the time to do whatever was needed to keep me going on this project.  Just when I seemed to lose steam, you would always come through and keep me fired up.

Masaki--for hearing my vision, gently guiding me through the process, and helping me create music that is beautiful.  Our conversations help me see people better through the lens of grace.

Amos–a true brother. I am always amazed how you live your life with generosity.  Thinking of others before yourself.  Taking care of those in need.  This is justice. This is inspiration.

Pepe–one of the biggest, kindest hearts I know.  Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.

Mom and Dad–there’s not really enough words to express my gratefulness and gratitude for you.

Linmom, Andrea, and Josh–accepting, caring, and just flat out cool people!

Mike Kipperman–barnabas, encourager, a good man, a great friend.

Greg Madsen–encouraged by the helping hands you so freely give. Standing with me when things aren’t going so well.  Listening.  Always good to grab a beer!

Kim Leonard–one of the most tenacious, hard working people I know.  A good heart. Thank you for helping me understand the word Grace.  You are loved.

Dennis Brinson–your kindness and encouragement is endearing.  It’s no wonder God entrusts you with so much!

Samuel “Craigory” Brannon–my guitar buddy and attitude adjuster.  For helping me understand the importance of music.

Corey Harker & Paul Modjesky–for taking me on an “outting” during Mr. Bigowski’s class.  Video arcades.  For guiding me and protecting me in our young, rebellious years.  For seeing something in me that took me 28 years to figure out; confidence in being a musician.

 

Stephanie, Tommy, and Maggie Liu, Robin and Charles Robinson, Karen Terrado, Vanette Vargas, Shawna Vargas, “Bluesman” Dave Grimshaw, Laura Deal, Tom, Terri, and Sara Coleman, Jes Steinberg, Jen Fuchs, Vartan, Christine, and Taline Toutikian, Andal Allison, Nadine Keller,  Joslyn Kipperman, Elba Goostree, Uncle Jim and Cindy—you are all the hands and feet of Christ to me.

 

Guy Arrostuto (my dad’s friend first, and now mine.  My coach.), Dr. Christopher Sohl (“mean as ever”, but actually a really nice guy.  “i’ve been hearing about it for 2 years now!”), Big Larry (from the O.R.), Dr. Linda May Choe (for your encouragement!)

 

Big Jim Farley, Finn Jackson (for the fantastic CD art!), Joe and Jenn Grimshaw, Mike Quigley, J.D.Sweitzer, Bob White, Lynda Jones, Graham Cossins, Paul Deal, Johnny Schallenberger, Randy Parks, Jeramy Sossaman, Jebby Moates, Jonathan Johnson, Brian Gidney, Walter Boncato, Thor Wismar, Lou LaCotera, Mike Perez, Michael Harris, Bob Schiveley, Eric Wood, Jen Hollingsworth, Jared Milos, Christian Jung, Phil Jung, Jon Del Arroz, Brian Lanier, Eric Tebelak, Tracy Vickery, Mina and Stew, Sema Dudem, Lynn and Bev Bainbridge, Matt and Amy Larsen, Judy Horton, DJ Madarang, Jorge Rivera, James Lange, Edwin “EB” Bermudez, Jerome Pruitt, Dave Norman, John Barnette, Jenn L-G,  Raina L-G., Cynthia O., Diann M., Aurora V., Eric & Lana T., “Mr. Bill”  Mcghee, Nanay Fe, Nanay Priscilla, Edylin, Betty, Marlene, Cat, Bobby & Denise, Frank & Dawn T., Meghan L., Michelle W., Leticia H., Nicole M., Shalana R-B., Ritchie T., Sebastian A., Jenna D., Lanette, Art E., Linda B., Ryan N., Tiffany, Andres G., Fred T., Rich T., Anji R., Noah S., Pablo S., Anthony R., Cory Schroeder, Jay Chagnon, Rick Ruffato, Ron Bailey, Tom and Maria Fry, and Diane “Helloooo…”Boatman.

And finally to the people at the Rellik Tavern where my Thursday journal days took place and a major part of where I sat and processed this project. Thank you for providing a space at your establishment for the broken-hearted.  Your kindness touches people in a way that you’ll never know.

Amanda, JoAnn, Deborah, Tom, Delondo, Zeth, Austin, Stacy, Lindsey……………