Barry

I’ve loved him since I was fifteen going on sixteen.
Since the very first time I heard ‘Mandy’
& I remember the day like it was yesterday.
Never had I heard a song that touched my heart so entirely.
This voice on the radio and I had an instant connect.

I was hooked  from that moment on.
A quiet fan, just he and me in my room.
Song after song, album after album.
His music took me through the many fazes of growing up.
Happy songs, sad songs, all those beautiful love songs.
He had the perfect words for every one of my often confused, what do I do now ? emotions.

I brought Barry with me when I got married.
He was part of the package, Husband really had no choice
& he is ok with Barry, still tolerates his presence, a fan, but not a fan.
When the children came along, Barry became their background music.
Their mother loves him, simple as that
& whether they want him there or not, Barry continues to be a part of their life too

& it’s not like I know this crooner from Brooklyn, yet I feel as if I do.
But, he most definitely knows me.
That deep, deep down, very few are allowed to tread, part of me.
He has, quite literally, touched my soul countless times.

I saw Barry in concert this past weekend.
Two of my very favorite people on this planet were kind enough to treat me to an incredible night of happiness
& for those who have never been, I highly recommend.
Barry Manilow is an awesome entertainer, singer, songwriter, musician, human being.

He’s a Happy.

I so hoped he would sing ‘I Made It Through The Rain’
I needed to hear my very favorite Barry words in person that night.
& he did not disappoint.

“Just aim beyond the clouds
And rise above the crowds
And start your own parade”

& as I sat there listening to Barry sing those words that have saved me time after time after time again …
I thought, ‘Thank You Barry Manilow, I did.’
I finally did.

I have loved that man since I was fifteen going on sixteen
& people sometimes ask me “WHY ?!?”

That’s why.

🙂

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