Dear Barry
I’ve debated writing these words for a long, L O N G while, intimidated, for one reason or another, by what you would think, what others might say ??
who. knows.
but a cap on these nudges, I’d place, with a shhhh, he’s too busy, or hush, he will never see, or I’m 60+ years old for crying out loud … or or or …
I’ve decided to share, because if I touched a life as you have touched mine ??
YeP.
I’d want to know.
& I’m thinking, you’ve probably heard these accolades, time after time after wonderful time, but then again,
you’ve never heard mine.
So.
Here goes …
I was 15, thisclose to 16, when Mandy came to be
and I can honestly say, I’ve loved you and that song, ever since.
How many times I’ve played and replayed is anybody’s guess, each, as if hearing those lyrics and that melody for the first time.
🙂
You gifted, All The Time, at a most vulnerable point in my life.
Waiting for a sign, hit me like a ton o’ bricks, ’cause waiting for that elusiveness was exactly what I was some day, some day. SOME. DAY. doing, until that beautiful one day, when I simply began.
& to think I had it all,
all the time …
🙂
I heard I Made It Through The Rain, which, if I haven’t told the universe a zillion times, is my absolute favorite song ever.
EVER.
& BAM.
It’s as if those lyrics were written especially for me, with a here you go Jacki, feel better vibe
& to this day,
Just aim beyond the clouds
And rise above the crowds
And start your own parade
is the mantra I turn to for strength and encouragement
🙂
& although Beautiful Music was a treasure when released, I didn’t appreciate, I mean, really REALLY appreciate it’s awesomeness until
YeP
what lots of believin’ could do
It’s TRUE.
🙂
I sent an excitable fan letter after you visited Holiday Star Theatre in the early years, hung out in the parking lot, hoping for a glimpse of you too. Pretty sure it’s 9 ? maybe 10 ? concerts I’ve attended. Drove my brothers crazy with your albums on my turntable, same reaction with your cds for husband and kids. While visiting my 91 year old dad recently, I trotted to the basement, hoping to find that must have t-shirt I purchased so long ago, with no particular reason in mind,
a delightful just because
🙂
I appreciate you more than simple paragraphs can say, and the writer in me needs you to know, inspired by you, I do
And When
With You For You And You
Above The Rain
Oh Yes I Can
and I will continue to DO.
’cause if I touch a life as you’ve touched mine ?
WoW.
🙂
Thank you, Barry Manilow.
THANK YOU
♥