Mike Shinoda's 'Post Traumatic' Was a Gift to Me as Someone Still Struggling With Chester Bennington's Suicide

I just listened to your new songs. I especially related to your testimony saying you don’t just say goodbye once, you say it over and over (again). I feel like I was punched in the gut. The pain and disbelief of Chester’s exit from this world have come out of your mouth as song that will gather many fans who will appreciate it.

You have the most magical gift of writing, performing and saying the right thing. Of comforting the millions that are the Linkin Park family. Right now, I am so overcome with the grief that I will never see Linkin Park perform as they once were when Chester was alive.

Now, I hear your music and I am intrigued to say the least. It is full of angst, pain, hurt and loss as were the songs of Linkin Park over the past 20 plus years you have been performing. Both of you always let your feelings out in your performances in such a way that was so believable to us. Sometimes it was as if we were there or understood our deepest secrets and shame more.

I can’t speak for Chester, I can only imagine how pleased he is that you are moving on. That you are honoring the brotherhood, camaraderie, love and life of Chester is very comforting to me and I am sure, others too. You have created a platform for fans to speak up, to feel, to finally cry, to move through this.

I am not your typical Linkin Park fan. I was introduced to you from my teenage kids in the early 2000s. They are now grown and tastes have changed, but Linkin Park continues to draw people in. Linkin Park has always let people know they are not alone in what they are going through. Being able to relate is so validating. So freeing.

Chester used his voice to convey these and other messages. You continue to use your admirable talent of writing, singing and producing what you are feeling.

Thank you for helping me. I have truly been down the path exhibiting the symptoms of grief and getting caught up in them. I will always miss the voice he used to scream out my pain, my hurt. The words that assured me I was not alone and it was not my fault and things can get better.

I have learned a lot in working on my wellness recovery. I am learning there are going to be times when it feels like I just can’t do it anymore, that I can’t make it through but then I am reassured this is not the end. So, I look forward to your continued success. Thank you Mike Shinoda, for giving us “Post Traumatic.”