I have a soft spot for Irish culture, so it was no surprise that in 2007 I made my wife watch a small film out of Ireland: Once.
It was the first time I heard a remarkable voice that has traveled with me for nineteen years since — there was honesty, truth, vulnerability, strength, and power in it, and it raised the hairs on the back of my neck and quickened my pulse in a way no other voice had. I followed his career closely — every album, every interview, every video I could find. I never met him, but like so many others, I feel like I’ve known him for years.
Much of what made Glen remarkable is best described by those who knew him best. For those of us who found something in that voice, trying to name exactly what it was, a friend of his described it best as communication at the speed of love.
The measure of a life well lived isn’t what you take from it, but what you give to others. I felt this watching Glen Hansard’s celebration of life in Dublin, streamed live from an ocean away. It is also reflected in each of us who connected with that voice, with his message of hope and love, his commitment to social justice.
I’ll be fond of you forever, Glen Hansard.
Ní bheidh a leithid arís ann.