Dealing with Disappointments the Manilow Way-Part 2

This morning the sun is up and all things should look more clear in dawn's early light. At least that's always my hope.

I don't know about you, but there are a few things re: Manilow that I'm thankful for today. And instead of focusing on speculation or contrived theory about the events of this weekend, I'd much rather focus on the positive. My mother always taught me: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

1. He's still out there giving us "live" performances of the music. And even though there will always be cancellations because it's the nature of the business, he is still giving back to his fans after all these years.
2. He's still recording albums. And not just ONE every 3 or 4 years. We've had 4 in a row with a promise of an "original" one coming soon.
   
3. His music still brings people together. Many of us have found new friends at the shows, online and met in person.
4. His music still comforts us when we need it the most. We turn to it when heartache comes; when we want to dance; when life is hard and we need a musical boost.
   
5. He has given all of us some wonderful memories. Those memories are the substance of our love for Barry and his music. Those memories are tied to our lives and when we think of them, even today, we smile.

It's phenomenal, and yes, even miraculous that after all these years he's still up on that stage giving his best and trying to provide his fans with those 5 gifts I just mentioned. I'm 55 and I don't have half his energy and stamina. The rigors of his schedule and his life exhaust me just thinking about them. At this point in his career, he doesn't NEED to get out there on that stage week after week. He could retire like most of us do and just make music. But he does. Not only that, but he puts up with more intrusion into his personal space and private life than any of us could ever imagine. For that, in my eyes, he's got the patience of Job. I can't even begin to fathom the emotions that must surface when this happens.

Today is the kind of day that we need to take a step back and look at the BIG picture. For me, it embodies those 5 gratitudes. If I have those, I have everything. And Barry, I don't say this enough:

Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.

Texas Fan