Classmates have class!
At least mine do.
When Ken Brown sent out the notice that he and Mike Deay would be performing at the Grape Escape (in Redding) May 10th, I so wanted to go and watch them sing. Or should that be listen? Anyway, I wanted to be there, front and center. They’re two gifted musicians who have that twisted sense of humor that keeps things hoppin’.
Unfortunately, however, their performance isn’t scheduled to start until 7:30 p.m.
Normally, evening hours don’t present a problem for people. That is, of course, unless they are working night shifts, two shifts, or “shifty” shifts. Or, as I have found out, unless one has a malady that zaps her energy. I fall into that latter category. Without a three hour nap, I’m good until about 4:00 on my good days. With a nap, I can function until 7 or maybe 8.
So, regretfully, I told Ken I wouldn’t be able to make it.
Guess what his reply was?
No, really, guess–take a moment, because this is where he melted my heart. (He did that in high school, too, but that’s another story.)
He said, “Then Mike and I would like to come do a performance for you. How about Friday afternoon?”
I swooned.
I accepted.
I would have jumped up and down except for this tender belly!
So, come they did, and they made their music, shared their laughter and struck the core of me with their golden chords.
Ken & Mike at the Mikes
For you see, for someone who has a debilitating disease, whose life activities are dropping away one by one and sometimes two by two, who doesn’t have much to offer anyone anymore, it is indescribable what it means to have others give of themselves. Yet, the story must be told, as there are so many people who don’t know what to say to me or what to do.
The answer is simple. Be who you are! Anything less than that is a lie, and I don’t have time to waste.
Drop the shoulds, the coulds, the woulds.
Bring me who you are.
If you want to cry in front of me, because of me–cry. I’ll join in.
If you want to tell me about your hurts and disappointments–tell me. You will not add to my burden.
If you want to tell me about your successes and joys–tell me. I will not feel bad that you’re happy. I will be happy, too.
If you want to ask me questions about life–and facing death–ask. My wisdom is yours.
If you want to be invited next time Mike and Ken come to my house to give of themselves–let me know. They are a class act.
Thank you, Ken. Thank you, Mike.
You will never know how much your giving means to me.
By the way, those tears you saw running down my cheeks as you played were not because I didn’t like your music.
They were because I love you!
You are one of a kind. Thank you for being Gayle. I love you.
Sweet George, Thank you! Your two songs are still two of my favorite! Maybe you’ll join us for the drumming circle.
Hi Gayle, Thank you again for sharing your indescribable courage and openness
of what you are experiencing. You are a glowing example of reaching out to
friends instead of withdrawing into oneself, Wow! What a wonderful gift that
those two musicians gave you, people are truly good. Blessings, Peggie L.
P. S. I am still painting at Barbara’s, thanks to you.
Hi Dear Friend, People are good! That’s exactly what I said to Ken’s wife as they prepared to leave. What a lonely world this would be without good people! Glad to hear you’re still at Barbara’s. I love painting.
How wonderful! I’m so glad they did this for you!
Me too! I was so humbled!
What wonderful friends you have. What a wonderful friend you are!
Yes, I have many wonderful friends, wonderful friend!
What joy to have the music from dear friends fill your heart and soul! You continue to give of yourself in bountiful ways, Gayle. Your endearing smile, your soulful eyes, your thoughtful and loving words, your tears, your heart…all gifts that keep giving. Thank you, sweet friend!
Hi Debbie, Thank you for your moving words! And thank you for putting together the art reception yesterday at The Grace Place. It was a lot of work for you, but brought a lot of fun and excitement to many of us.
You say you haven’t much to offer anyone any more?
A LIE!
What you offer is unbeatable – it is BEAUTIFUL LIFE as you are choosing to live it.
Your posts are the most welcome and beautiful flowers in this day and age. They are full of LOVE at it’s core.
Oh, my gosh, thank you so much. And I love that you are keeping me honest! I’m so happy my blog can send out the love I feel for life!
I totally agree with you, Susan! Gayle’s blog is a precious gift to us all, and continues to teach each and every one of us about living life to the fullest.
Canda, I could not agree more!!
You do it again and again for me….every time I read your blog…..you give me the courage to be me….why did I need your encouragement? Good question. No holding back…just BE. Thank you my wise and uplifting friend. I’m ready to face life again whenever I hear from you. You will never leave me, Gayle. You will never be forgotten for one instance. I hope to repay your gifts as I live my life forward and courageously, in great part due to you.
In deep and abiding gratitude and love, Francie
Dear Sweet Francie, You are master at living your life. As to why you need encouragement to be you, it is because the you that you truly are is bigger and more powerful than your wildest imagination. Could it be you’re afraid of what you might do if you let the power out full force? I say dare to let it out and see. It is what the world is waiting for, my dear friend.
Gayle,
Thank you for brightening my day with the story of Ken and Mike and their concert for you and Mike in your home. What a lovely treat!
P.S. I want you to know that even though I don’t always leave a comment, I always enjoy reading your column. You have such a beautiful way with words. Thank you for sharing your words and experiences with us. You are amazing!
Thank you Jeannie. You have a sharing of your own that could be told! Hope you are well and happy.
You make me smile. I love you. Hugs!
Sweet. Thank you, Judy. I love you, too!
That is so wonderful that they came to play for you. If they come again, I would love to come over and listen. I love music. Walt laughs at me because he says I can’t stay still when music is on. I guess he’s right. But to me music is something to move to and keep the rhythm.
I am still hoping that you are doing okay. You are such a nice person, I don’t want to see you leave us. Keep your positive attitude. It helps or so I’ve heard from several people.
Hi Sandy, I don’t know if a positive attitude translates into longevity, but it sure helps along the way! You’re always welcome on our mountaintop. Mike says they’d like to come back this summer and play out on our deck. I accepted! Maybe you’d like to join us at the drumming circle here on May 24th, 10:00 a.m. Your foot should be stompin’ and your hands slappin’. Even Walt might enjoy a little pounding!
My Dear Gayle, you are such an inspiration to me. I will always cherish how you reached out to me and gave me so much encouragement. You are truly my guardian Angel
Thank you, Wanda. I know you are going through the same trials as I am. I guess we just have to hold on and see where this wild ride takes us! How are you faring?
Great people have great friends!
And great cousins!
Hi Gayle,
Thank you for such a wonderful entry in your blog. Brought tears to my eyes. Here is a poem for you, an adult lullaby that I wrote and put to music recently. Hope it helps you to sleep well at anytime:
Envelop me
Shroud me with pleasantries
As you cradle me to sleep
Melt away my to-do list
And wrap my eyes with your silence
I am a vessel for your pillow lessons
The child of wonder
who clearly knows your gifts
and sweetly asks for nothing
but to relish life as a miracle,
eyes open or closed.
Love,
Julie
Sweet Julie, How beautiful for you to share. I still haven’t heard you sing yet, but would love to hear this song from your own lips–and heart one day! Hope you are doing well.
That is so AWESOME! I am proud of them.
Hi Pam,
You would have loved to be here! Maybe you’ll be in town at their next performance.
Mike & Ken are special, caring people. How wonderful that they gave you a private concert. Your strength and courage are truly admirable. Most under the circumstances would have given up long ago…..and missed the concert!! Drum when you can, paint when you can, and listen to the music that brings you joy. Love to you and Mike.
Helen
Hi Helen, I know you live life the same way–with gusto. I do choose to live until I die! What fun. Love to you two, too.
Gayle , I’m trying to sign up but I am so computer dumb!!
Okay. Let’s see if this reply arrives in your email box. If so, you have been successful!
After reading this…I now have tears in my eyes. How wonderful…how beautiful. I love you. I am one of your biggest fans, as you know. I love those two guys, as well…because they made you so happy! <3
Karen Coffey
Hi Karen, They are easy to love! 🙂
Gayle,
A private concert for one special lady! You are an inspiration to so many. We miss you at Support Group!
Hi Jill, The concert givers were the special ones! Thank you for your kind words. Maybe after my book manuscript is finished I can stop in and say hello. Keep up the good work.
That would be wonderful!
Okay–hopefully in July!
Wow, what a gift from those talented guys, and thank you for the gift of letting people know how to respond to you. You are the most amazing example of wisdom, grace, and love, and it’s always a joy to see you!
Okay, then, Miss Sunshine–let’s paint!
Anytime, my friend!