When I was a teenager, I discovered The Cranberries. Just like many American people, I fell in love. The sound, the beautiful sound. Oh my word, it was as if I found an angel singing through my radio.

I spent countless hours singing with Dolores O’Riordan on the radio or on my electronic devices. That band helped soothe me through so many tough times in my life. They inspired tears and brought me so much joy. The 1990’s were so tumultuous, so it’s as if the heavens prescribed them to lift my mental processes.

As years go by, I’m in my 40’s now. My ICD has gone off while I’m at work. I’m panic stricken. I get brought to the ER and told to follow up with my electrophysiologist. The following day, I get beyond tragic news. Dolores O’riordan died. Literally the day after my cardiac device went off, my favorite singer dies! While I’m not trying to insert myself into their band history…I felt connected to this tragedy by random happenstance.

Some time later, I’m listening to the radio and on comes the band Bad Wolves doing a tribute/cover of The Cranberries ‘Zombie”. I’m back at work where my ICD went off initially. Bad Wolves sound is more heavy, as opposed to the more pop/alternative style of The Cranberries – but oddly? It worked. And while I’m not in direct contact with any coworkers, I hide as I begin to cry.

My life continues to evolve as a 44 year old woman and The Cranberries continues to be important to me. Not just Dolores and her amazing sound, but the entire band. They have all contributed something in my life and it’s been fabulous. I think back to times where I listened to certain songs by them and where I was in my life at that time. It’s hard to bypass the feeling of depression and anger that memories evoke. I have to remind myself… I’m not there anymore. The music will just remind me that while it was tough then, I’m capable of making new memories with Dolores and her band mates. Even if she isn’t.

I hope that The Cranberries legacy isn’t just within her tragic passing and into the 1990’s greatest hits. Her voice and the lyrics are both haunting and phenomenal. Some still bring a chill up my spine as if it was the first time I heard them.

Many blessings to each and every one of you.