The one constant in your whole story is you never gave up and you were open minded and welcoming to every character you came across, inspiring stuff Ren
I was married to a woman whose symptoms sound a lot like Ren's. She didn't contract them until a little while after our daughter was born. She was a human guinea pig for a LOT of doctors in 4 states that were sure they knew her diagnosis. She was put through 11 surgeries in 4 years. Then a slew of "renowned diagnosticians" that were sure they had the answer put her through various supposed cutting edge treatments. She was bedridden most of the time and in constant pain, lethargic, severe anxiety, and hallucinations. I took care of her and our daughter as best I could whilst working full time. Luckily I had an understanding employer that didn't mind if I needed to leave work at a moment's notice and be away for prolonged periods. Being a caretaker for someone you love that you can't help other than showing your love and being as comforting as possible. It was exhausting but you don't mind because that's your soulmate. Hearing your story makes me realize we weren't alone and gives comfort. Thak you!
Ren, you just hacked any and all tabloids who would've ventured into digging anything from your past... and saved the hungry fanbase thousands of hours of google diving 😂 Thank you for being so open, honest and raw, laying your beautiful soul bare for all of us to understand. You are loved and respected by so many! Your work and mission are an inspiration, making a tremendous difference! And that's just you as a human. Your multifaceted talent sets the bar so high that it'd be difficult for the competition to catch up 😅
Ren mate, you don't need to thank us, it's us that need to thank you. For your amazing music, your love and almost inhuman raw honesty. You make the world a better more loving place.
Lol..baptist preacher here REN ( im not a bad guy...realy) your story is amazing, encouraging and I believe God is pleased with you! Nothing he likes better thdn an underdog who keeps fighting!
Blimey Ren, you can see how much of yourself you have given emotionally. Time to recuperate now. Fill up your own vessel to sail forward into your future. Lifting up many lost ships. With love Ren, thank you.
REN SIR....OR SIR REN...YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION FOR MANY AROUND THE WORLD...I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRANSPARENCY AND COURAGE TO TELL THE STRUGGLES YOU HAVE ENDURED. HI REN CHANGED THIS 52 YR OLD LADY FROM TACOMA, WASHINGTON AND I AM PROUD AND GRATEFUL FOR A MUSICIAN FROM BRITAIN! MUCH ❤️
I put on Chapter 1 a few hours ago and just finished Chapter 8 a moment ago. It's not fair that one man must endure so much pain. But you did. Ren, your resilience and tenacity are an inspiration to us all. Sending love and hugs.
I was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder. I have been on 25 medications. And to this day still haven’t found the right concoctions. I’m currently on 3 medications at once. Every day I feel foggy, mental anguish, and a sort of pain that no one seems to understand. I very much relate to your story. I will be turning 30 this year and have lost my 20’s to my illness. I wish I could articulate my story as well as you have. And this shows your writing prowess. As someone who understands pain I am proud of you. Even though I don’t know you. Thank you for your inspiration and gusto. I’m currently starting the Keto diet as some have said that it has put their schizoaffective into remission. I hope it works. When I go to the doctor I will have them check me for lymes disease. Maybe hope is not lost. But everyday I think of death, and have also watched my mother become frail from watching me suffer. I wish it was an easier story. And I hope one day to live like you are now. Thank you
Thankyou Ren. For a guy who lost so many years to the hell of an imprisoned mind inside a tortured body, you certainly sound like you have lived at 110% with gratitude for each day since. But the older you get the more life - the good experiences, the bad experiences, the wtf experiences - start to accumulate, to layer and layer. That to ever peel it all away, to process all those moments in hindsight will take another lifetime...I have the feeling that your gift of music has an almost impossibly deep well of experiences, emotions and trauma processing to draw from; each time you create, each layer you reveal, connects with so much of what it is to navigate being a soul in a human, physical body. My husband had Lyme too. Was sent on his way at the age of 32 with a chalking up from the medical system to being a hypochondriac and his symptoms being attributed to aging (despite the contrast of his life two years earlier to the one he had with Lyme). So many tests, fears, and nightly episodes of vomiting which sent him to the ER. We were very lucky a naturopath here in Canada recognised it all as Lyme. Without her I do not know where my husband would be now, ten years later. She began long term treatment of antibiotics but treated his gut/body concurrently. My husband adhered to some pretty strict dietary protocols throughout also (AIP Paleo). He was one of the lucky ones (minus the 2.5 years of not knowing wth was going on). The experience has led to a fairly deep mistrust and anger at the medical system though, the blinkers, the black and white mindset which does not permit flexibility or possibility. Thankyou for sharing your story, and for those who stood by you all that time. I hope your Mum is doing well now that you are in a better (though not perfect) place, those years must have been so heartbreaking and uncertain for her too.
Music should not give hope or instruct, it would be enough to entertain, and if it is good, make people feel. But, very occasionally, an artist takes the trouble to put EVERYTHING together, and do it not just in a song, but in a trajectory, in a way of life, in an honest and ambitious declaration of intentions. Thank you very much REN for existing. (PS: This message is in Spanish, I hope the translation is not horrible)
I cried several times throughout his story, but him swaying to the rhythm of his words made me smile. You are more than an extremely handsome man that can make amazing music Ren, you are a true inspiration.
I’ve had a rough couple weeks and have questioned whether people would be better off without me and if I deserve the life I have, but I truly believe that you have pushed me through this and made me realise there so much more to live for and so much more to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see what you do next. You truly deserve everything good that comes your way.
Hey, something that helped my bleak thoughts, that I pray will resonate with you. This is what someone shared with me, it saved my 4 kids the heartache of grieving my departure from this world. ....Death doesn't promise us an end to the pain, thoughts, trauma, and hurt. What if when we are gone our thoughts come with us, what if our eternity is filled and stuck with those thoughts, what if the peace we crave on "the other side" still have to be worked through before the serenity comes?? We can't know what lies ahead of us in life or death, so why risk losing everyone we know, love, or love us for that small chance that peace awaits??? We may be just where we are needed to be for now. Hang in there.... Just this small interaction may be someone else's saving grace. I love that Rens music is helping heal some of your pain. I promise that your life matters and that this too shall pass. Sending big hugs and love. Cyn 💙🫂
@@Cynthiabecker24 thank you lovely. Your words have definitely given me something to think about. I appreciate it. I’m so pleased you’ve found comfort and I wish you all the best. ❤️
@@Cynthiabecker24 Wow, thank you for these words! This is actually something I've never given any thought, but now that you say it, it makes a lot of sense. Indeed, how can we now, if all the hurt and painful thoughts don't stay with us, after we 'pass over'. Now that I think about it, it makes more sense, that everything we experience doesn't just dissapear, but is part of us, no matter 'where' we go... Thank you💜
@LazyGrey My brother passed away on Sunday from cancer... During the past 6 weeks, we talked about so many fears, hurts, and traumas we had experienced. My brother cried so much during these daily talks that I felt that he left us a little lighter. Take care💙
REN!! you can't leave it there...... you have us all captivated, we don't just wanna know rens past, we wanna know how things are going for you currently, we wanna know what plans you have for your future....... dont do this to us ren!!
I’m so happy to have been introduced to your music. Hi Ren was my intro. Of all of the new artists I’ve heard from listening to reaction videos your music has been the most impactful. Thanks Ren😊❤
I was gobsmacked by Hi REN, my introduction to you. And then completely floored when I encountered you in The Big Push. This cannot be the same person. It made me so happy seeing you so happy letting your pent up talents escape from their jail. We love you Ren❤
As someone who’s been going through exactly the same battle with health (same symptoms) for over a decade I am completely awe inspired by your journey and feel more connected to your process and music than anyone I’ve ever found. I deeply relate to you and I’m so proud of you, I’m proud of both of us for going through this and striving to live a full life. You/we deserve it.
I love you Ren....Troubled but just another spiritual and compassionate girl from beautiful BC Canada. Discovering who she is every day. Resilience, hope and the love for the Higher Power has taught me how to love myself and find a place in this beautiful world. Thank you Ren for being part of it.
beautiful you does it time and time again ...... 34 years of living and giving and receiving and BELIEVING..inspired by you and every essence of the being of you that you have kindly shared with many souls in the world that truely appreciate and draw the courage to carry on living life through their own struggles. The creation of you is a blessing
Wow, who'd have ever thought that Ren and Ann-Margret has something in common like that? (Falling off stage into a railing.) At least Ren wasn't injured as badly.
The hope you give me.... The inspiration.... I have no words. I'm days away from being homeless (single mom of 6 *and a grandbaby* with difficulty finding work since my stroke last year) and you give me hope. You are so very special and I'm fortunate for having you in my life... Even just virtually. I love you SO very much with all my heart. Here's to hoping that I find my way as well. Xoxoxoxo.
Continue to embrace those moments of serendipity and the angels that come into your life. Your story is far from over, but thank you for allowing us to join you on this journey. You are special, not just because of your musical ability, but the light that shines through you. You are an inspiration to countless people! And your story deserves to be told. We love you and will continue to support you all the way! ❤
^ beautifully worded, the light really does shine through you Ren, and may the angels keep appearing, however that translates to us on a primal and highly individual level...nonetheless we all hear and believe you x
I will always have empathy towards you. Not sympathy built from sadness, but empathy built from experience and love for a fellow human. I am so fucking proud of you Ren.
Hope. Such a simple word for an incredible concept. Thank you for bringing hope to those of us in the darkness. I commend your bravery in telling your story. Nothing but love and happiness for you in the future 💜💜💜
We love you to brother. I wish I could get the words out of my head that I want to say to you. I'm not able to do that so I'll just say thank you so much and you forget about the 4th Angel of your story, You. Sending massive love from Ireland 🇮🇪
What a story it’s been. And this chapter was something else 😂 Thank you for sharing your story. Though your life isn’t without pain and troubles now, it is wonderful to see that you have found some beauty and joy ❤
Thank you so much Ren for been the beautiful soul you are. Your music, your story, your life has helped this 55yr old lost soul to feel again. Your an inspiration to the world. Keep doing what your doing, and I hope your health continues to improve. Sending love and healing from just one of your RENegades in the Cairngorms 💜👏🙏
Sì è così semplice che sembra impossibile, c è qualcosa in Ren che attira positivamente e ti tocca l animae perché Ren sa esprimere il cammino difficile di un paziente,la follia e il dolore fisico di molti noi umani , dice quello che penso e vivo anche io con patologie croniche e oggi a 63 anni ho trovato questo gioiello
I live in Brighton now and love what this place gave you, its given me alot. I wasn't here when you guys were really busking but I'm sure I caught you a couple of times. I'm a nurse, training as a therapist now, I'm a bit of a hippy and have been through my own stuff as we all have. Your music feels incredibly brave and authentic and real to me. It feel like you've put truth and depth into music on a different level that really connects with me. I hope you play in Brighton again sometime.. much much love and healing to you. Thank you for the bravery 💜
Been living in a fibromyalgia painful fog for years, i get treatment to keep me being able to move and have got used to the pain that never leaves my body, a fact people never believe is possible, luckily i live in Belgium where these things are treated seriously. ( i told a dr i loved him when he could tell me what was wrong with my back, when all anyone else had said i didn't have a hernia, which has now become a joke between me and my physio) i also have Bipolar so when an extra hard pain day clashes with it sometimes, those are really dark days. I understand that dark frustration of not being able to participate in society but i still hope, you have helped me keep hoping and i look for something that i will be able to do to reintegrate into life. Thank You for sharing your story
Yes. This is just chapter one. Let's keep changing the world for the better. I know that your vision is also my vision. It was before I ever knew you. And now that I do, I will never ever leave again. So you better get used to it. :D Thank you.
Thank you again, Ren, for having the courage to share your incredible story with all of us. I'm certain it will help lots of people. You're an amazingly strong, resilient, beautiful person. Lot's of love to you! 💜
Everything happens for a reason and going through all that you have and meeting the friends and lovers that you did only brought you into our lives. I won't speak for everyone but personally I'm grateful for all the "troubles" . You're living your dream now... even though it started as a nightmare. 🖤✌
Once again made me cry. Right before watching this my mom cried, telling me she didn't want to loose me. I genuinely don't beleve I'm worth living, and I don't think I deserve love. But ren. You are so goddamm amazing. You help me get through my hardest times and I couldn't ever thank you enough.♡♡♡
Ren powered through one hell of a week! 🫂You're integrity is incredibly inspiring! Thank you for these so much! You are my favorite not only for your music, but how hard you try to stay positive even when you're down and how you make music an experience. Words can't say enough how much I admire you! Big love and I can't wait to see what you have up that insane sleeve of yours!!❤
For those who inflict their god on your amazing success in life, find honest comfort in the fact that you are the saviour of your own soul and a huge inspiration to many others. Peace and big thanks brother.
Each of these chapters have contained such a profound message, they have provided me (and countless others looking at the comments) a beautiful gift. They allow those of us who have experienced long term, chronic pain/illness, the chance to hear our experiences so eloquently externalised and summarised. Sure the details might be different, but the feelings of suffering are universal. These chapters will allow countless people to reflect on our own experiences and troubles, while appreciating the endurance of the human spirit. It perfectly showcases our resilience, our passion, and our will to survive. Ren - You do have a (divine?) purpose - showing us all there is hope that with enough tenacity and the right treatment, you can do more than just survive...you can thrive. Thank you for sharing such a valuable piece of your beautiful soul with us.
I wanted to wait until the whole series was through before i share consecutively on my FB page so that froends & acquaintances can get wrapped up in your heroic tale without the patience (I normally save watching any series s Ii can binge watch - patience is not normally my virtue, except for you when I dont have the willpower to wait!). I hope in some small way it will help get awareness out there for all those Missing. You're such a Gift.💝
Thank you, Ren. I hope for you to enjoy your solitude, to find your love ❤️, to be well, and the music flowing. You're a good man. I pray for you often. Again, thank you.
I may never get out of the darkness, but if there is a God, I am so thankful you found your way to freedom. It is beautiful to see you live rather than just survive because survival is all I am capable of. Hopes & dreams are too painful & I gave up a long time ago, yet seeing you shine is a beautiful sight to behold. Even if you do not get as many chapters as you deserve, live life to the fullest & I hope you use the tragedies & suffering of the past to build a better future and to live, truly live! Welcome to the world of living, we all have been waiting for you ❤
Nah mate, you are something else, something lot more than an artist, a musician. You are the story of endurance, the hope that people need. Thank you for joining my life!
There's a song that I particularly like. It's called "Son of Pain" and in it there's a line, "thank you, angels, I have been reborn". It is what, for me, summarized this chapter. I'm not sure the song had in mind the wonderful chaotic abandon you describe but what the heck, I loved hearing about your coming back to life. Indeed, I love how you throw yourself into life - even the risky bits, like that source of joy and pain called love. Anyway, I'm glad you told your story and that I got to hear it. It did exactly what you hoped it would do.
Your speeches and your music are saturated with truth, hope, honesty, etc with an openness that I only get from myself talking to myself or sorting through my brains files. I'm realising it's your openness that opens mine when I listen and connect with your music. Thanks you're the only confirmation I've ever really got to my own views and thoughts. You're a soul surgeon dude thank you
Thank you for this Ren. All 8 chapters of it. I am not a musician, and I dont have Lyme (i was tested) but the struggles of a body that hates you relate a lot. Bloodwork shows I have something autoimmune, dont know what. Drs and tests are slow, lots of setbacks as you know. I do hope one day to LIVE again, but many days i just feel tortured by life. I have become a recluse and pushed everyone out of my life, to be alone in nature. It brings me peace, but from another soul that "loves to love" its hard at times. The internet doesnt help and social media seems to be more and more a platform of haters and trolls. I just want peace. I just want to live. Thank you for your music, your songs, and your story. I hope you bring changes to a very sick world. ❤
I can relate big time. I knew something was wrong but doctors couldn’t find anything through all the tests I got. So they determined it was psychosomatic. I pretty much gave up and lost hope. I moved across the country and got the same feedback. Until my allergist told me I had all the symptoms of MCAS and wanted to have me tested. I tested positive. It was a relief to have a diagnosis and a name to put on it finally. Since not much research has been done, treatment seems to be a lot of guesswork and trial and error. I’ve been put on daily antihistamines and have to figure out what foods I can eat. Being allergic to EVERYTHING makes it challenging to say the least. I’m kinda in the “now what” phase. Still not feeling good but at least the doctors don’t tell me it’s all in my head anymore. But getting a diagnosis didn’t come without a lot of persistence and insistence beyond basic bloodwork. I hope you can find some answers. I think for a lot of us with rare conditions, we go on this huge, exhausting quest to find out WHAT it is. Then we’re stuck in limbo between that and the search for effective treatments. I hope for the best… for you and for all of us.
❤ I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t already been said..I sit with a smile on my face & a warmth within that gives the feeling that “all is well in the world”, if only for a short moment. Ty Ren, Sam, Connor, Josh….everyone that helps with the pure intentions of Ren. ❤️ love to all😊
..the greatest gift our suffering gives us, is the uncovering of our true self…. your music is a beautiful expression of that priceless gift… it cost you everything in order to give you everything .. one love ❤️
❤ Love you too Ren!!! I'm crying my eyes out because nobody knows my trouble but God hit so hard. You're a gem, inspiration and I want to thank you for never giving up. ❤
It’s so nice to hear someone appreciate even the tiniest bit of progress that most overlook, due to your music and a number of things, I have learnt to really appreciate every moment and live with no regrets as you never know when you’ll be cut off ❤
Dear REN, I know I keep commenting in a Sea of comments. And truthfully I can’t imagine the amount of effort it takes to not only put this “type” of story out there, but to put it out in the world within the unique circumstances of your experience. And by this “type” I mean, that you have bared your soul and story to us in ways no one on a stage ever has, or ever will. I have said this in previous comments, but no matter, it’s worth saying a million times. 1. Thank you for staying. You didn’t have to, (ish) didn’t necessarily deserve to Uber the circumstances of the pain that you were in, but you did. You did. I personally am so grateful. For a whole host of reasons that matter to me and those around me. You ARE giving us hope REN. And you have fought harder than anyone should ever have to, to continue to hope for it. 2. I’m not so nieve to think that everything happens for a reason, on my world we make meaning, whether that be god, beauty, community, relationships etc. you’re struggle with all of this has shifted the narrative to be something so much bigger and more profound than “what we’re struggling with.” I come from suffering, but none in such a way as you. I can acknowledge the worthiness of my own path, but am able to persevere because I know that someone else in the world is also persevering. Thank you for staying, you give me hope.
I hope all of our love and support for you is as meaningful as your openness and honesty is to us. Respect. And a huge hug from this random bloke on the internet.
This was one hell of a series! Sometimes literally lol. Loved the positivity of this final chapter, it felt like such a triumph! Here's to many more happy chapters and triumphs coming your way ❤❤
Oh REN, this is just your new chapter starting, your going to go big big big, your music is amazing and your an inspiration to so many people struggling with health issues. Keep up the good work and we love you REN ❤❤
Goddamn Ren! Thank you for sharing so much of your personal story with us. I can’t express how much joy I feel hearing this chapter. You deserve every bit of joy and success after fighting so damn hard just to live life. You are very loved.
Naruto never gave up either. After being alone and isolated he made everyone recognize him, respect him, accept him and LOVE him. Now he is an inspiration. It's so amazing to have real life heroes. It is what you are to many people Ren. I hope you feel loved and I hope you learn to feel safe with that feeling.
You are very strong and resilient Ren. So many of us would have given up long ago. I am very honored to be able to support your journey, through your treatments, music and all your different art projects. I will always support you: I can’t wait for my pre order of troubles. I love you Ren and I am rooting for you in everything in your life. ❤
You got me crying like a baby watching your story. So relatable. So eloquent and poignant. I feel for you. Your making music for the times. Your story is humanity's story. ✌️ ❤ God bless
Watched all 8 chapters without skipping a beat. Laughed, emphasized, and holded tears. I've been suffering cefalea cluster for 11 years now, and every word you spoke moved every fiber of my body. I'm speechless. You're a trully gifted person, and we are blessed to hear you out. Keep it up Ren
I'm trying. I'm trying so hard. I've been laid up in bed from pain, watching these. Your story truly is an inspiration. It's been 12 years since I started showing symptoms of my illness, and it took 9 years to get diagnosed with Crohn's and Fibro. Because of the Crohn's I can't even take any painkillers stronger than paracetamol, because of the Fibro paracetamol doesn't even touch the sides. My latest flare up started in 2018, but I somehow pushed through and kept working for another year and a half. Now everything just keeps getting worse. But there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that a known cancer drug can help with Crohn's. Clinical trials are at least 5 years away, and I'm pretty sure the article said it's researchers in the UK, so there's no way I'll get to do the trials. But there might actually be a cure in my life time. Which is truly amazing when you consider that just a month ago, I knew this was going to be my life. I want the pain to end. But I'll stick it out, knowing that there's a chance, however slim it is right now. Thank you for sharing your story Ren. Thank you for reminding me that it can get better, that I'm alone, that I can still have a chance to truly live my life. Thank you.
