I became part of an Internet message board community. I made friends with a fellow who lived not too far from my home town. While I was visiting folks at home, I tried to contact my web pal. I reached his home and was told he had died just the day before. I saw him for the first time at his funeral. My being there was a consolation to his family, because through me, they learned about our community, which had become an important part of my friend's life. Later, I shared with the other community members how our friendship with their son and brother had cheered a grieving family. I'm not on a first name or recognition basis with inspirational folk music entertainers like you are, but I like to think that those of us touched inside by their performances are something of a community, too. We've shared a feeling---joy, inspiration, commonality, what-have-you---that defines us as a community. And your shared experience as a member further defines us all. I, for one, will welcome any occasion you have to relate where "art and life are one," rambling notwithstanding.
My experience was only slightly like yours, but perhaps telling it will help you see how your post impacts us all.
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