It’s been 13 years since I lost a very dear friend, whom I considered as a brother and father figure. He was also a business partner that inspired and brought together the idea and concept of what is now Six String International.
Six String International is my dedication to his work and dedicated support of my beginning into the business and working force in Sydney, Australia.
His death was unexpected, having lost his fiancé on the tragic date of 9/11 (September 11, 2001), which he could not come to terms of losing the love of his life and business venture in New York. On the same day of being cleared and able to leave rehab, he and the driver tragically lost his life in a car crash.
His inspiration in getting me through the early days of leaving home will never be forgotten, and this year has brought back memories of those days, from the idea that was suggested as a concept through to reality in Watsons Bay, through to the last of ever seeing him, while illegally fishing on the rock at Coogee Beach.
Throughout this era I have seen and witnessed so many things. Having been a friend of Keith Urban before the world knew him, his struggles of success and fall to drugs, I never gave up faith and supporting Keith to his success today.
In the early days of Six String International Online, I had created a friendship with a young female on Twitter, whom was being bullied many different ways, and the only way of expressing herself was through social media. It’s said to say, that she was unable to handle the stress and took her own life.
I’ve also personally seen what poverty can do to ones self-esteem, having witnessed over the years young females especially fall to prostitution to survive. This world is dangerous, the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, gang rape and drugs, just to support their lifestyle. One unforgettable occasion in which I had known was a young female in whom was rapped, unknown of the encounter she was about to enter. One month after this encounter I heard the news that she had committed suicide.
Depression is today’s biggest threat to individuals, having to work to survive, and with the inspiration given to me to bring Six String International to you as a non-profit business, it’s my way to give back to the industry which supported me for many years.
There are days in which you will feel the pressure and pain, and look at closing the loop of the past over again. Life is not meant to be easy! Time to yourself is important although never forget family and friends.
Six String International supports over 20 different charities around the world, schools, depression, poverty and disaster relief.
A friend once said to me, that all they wanted was “Happiness”. You will only ever find happiness by making the right decisions, no matter how hard those decisions are.
You can make a difference!
