More often than not, good news that makes me the happiest is positive news about someone else.
Thus was the case this week when Barry Manilow posted a message on his Facebook page sharing the details of his painful and grueling days of recovery since his surgery nearly three weeks ago.
Though reading about the “constant, incredible pain” his “recovery demands” along with the confinement and humanness was heartbreaking, especially since he is such a vital and vibrant person, the message was filled his good nature, optimism and hope for the future making us know “everything is going to be alright”, hopefully sooner than later. As my dear friend, Janet in France, put it “he’s amazing actually to still have the passion and the will . Most people would call it a day but I just know he’s got a lot more great things to do”. He ends his note saying “The doctors say that everything should start to ease up by the end of this week. If that’s so, what a great New Year’s Eve I’m going to have!”
As I would for anyone who has a soft spot in my heart; my friends, family, children; I’ve been concerned about Barry, sending good vibes and prayers his way for a complete and speedy recovery that will render him pain free as he ventures into new projects.
The message again proves the man of integrity he is; not just focusing on what he’s been through but rather emphasizing what he’s gained via the experience; empathy and gratitude for his good health as well as giving thanks to the medical team, caregivers, friends and those who have sent him good wishes throughout the ordeal.
We all know people who struggle with constant pain and those whose pain is temporary I’ve witnessed incapacitation when my mother was ill and when my ex-husband broke his hip in a freak accident and due to other health issues needed to be bed-ridden for two months in a care facility followed by weeks of rehab and limited mobility. I saw first hand his pain and frustration. It was difficult for him and those who cared about him and yet could do little to make it better in some cases making it worse by caring too much. It’s extraordinary when people take life’s roadblocks and allow it to make them better people than they were before.
Some might raise an eyebrow at my concern and think I’m a bit over the top; I’ve learned to ignore those who do. To me Barry isn’t an idol, an image or representative of some out of reality fantasy. He is a real life guy, whose tremendous talents as a musician and performer by fate and lots of hard work, has made him an iconic superstar, adored by millions. But before, after and aside of his fame, he’s human with the same ups, downs, illness, joy, pain, emotions, fear and frailties we all know. It’s impossible for me to separate the real person from the person on stage or as the one attached to the gorgeous voice we have the joy of listening to. And it’s for that reason the genuineness of feeling he conveys is so adaptable to real life. And why I respect and admire him so much. No matter how great the talent, if the person who possesses it lacks humanity, it would be difficult for me to appreciate.
On a personal note, the timing of Barry’s message was happily coincidental.
For the past two months, my life has been very stressful with more doors closing than opening and the light at the end of the tunnel getting dimmer - you wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve listened to “You Begin Again”, with a hefty dose of my latest Manilow song of hope “Trainwreck” given equal time. Friends have been supportive but again, there are times when there’s little anyone can do but stand by and wish for the best. In a moment packed with a feeling of hopelessness I told my oldest son “I’ve got to fix my life, but I doubt I can”. He responded with a wise beyond his years statement “you only need to fix what’s broken, you aren’t broken, just a bit snagged, you’ve gotten through worse, you can do this”.
As has been the case hundreds of times over, since his music touched my life, Barry again inspired me.
If he can push past this major and painful roadblock in his life and happily plan for the future, what the heck, how dare I toss myself a pity party, there are people in far worse situations than I am. Thank God, I’m in good health, my kids are safe and healthy. I won’t allow finances to get me down. I can absolutely “begin again” and again, as many times as I need to, until it all works out! I’ll plan the future not mope over the past.
These uplifting thoughts, made me smile far more easily today. They say like attracts like; when you get good news more follows - we won’t discuss that the opposite holds true as well - hot on the heels of Barry’s positive news, I received good news of my own which will hopefully buy me the time I need to get back on track and keep the wolves at bay. I have no doubt my little “snag” will soon be fixed!
I wish Barry, his family and friends a very, very healthy and happy new year. I hope and pray each day he’ll feel stronger, pain free and be able to ring in the new year celebrating the peace and joy he richly deserves with those he holds dear.
I also pray 2012 will be an extraordinary and delightful year for us all, with many new wonderful beginnings just waiting to unfold. There’s so much that can be written on the blank slate. Of course the year will include the music that makes it all so much more enjoyable and maybe, if we’re lucky and hope really hard, there will be more original music in the way only Barry Manilow can create it! Now that would make for a perfect year!
Cheers to all!
janetfauret
I can only echo your sentiments. Happy New Year to Barry and to all of those who love him and his music!
phtxbutterfly
Beautifully written , you spoke from the heart! Barry Manilow is truly one of kind! Loving and compassionate man! We love him and will always be there for him !