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Wes Steele · 09-24-2008, 06:54 AM

Dad, Can We See Him Again?

Sorry I did not post this earlier...

This past June 11, the Steele family made a two hour drive to West Virginia to see Gordon Lightfoot. It was the first time for my youngest child Joey (Joey is 12) to see him and it was the first time we saw Gord as a family.

It’s been about 8 years since I saw him myself and was looking forward to it. Joey couldn't make it the last time we went because he was getting ready for open heart surgery.

The concert was the typical “class” concert. It is amazing Gord has so much “wind” to perform like he does, especially what he has been through.

I first saw Gord in 1973 and must have been to 40 concerts. His music has meant SO much to me over the years, the one thing that I wanted to do was personally thank him for his work. I thought that it would never happen when Gord was so seriously ill years ago. I had a sick feeling that I would never be able to tell him how his music has meant to me....I had a sick feeling that I would never see him again. The only thing I could do was to pray for him.

My whole family waited to see Gord after the show on June 11. I did “meet” him in passing a couple of times over the years. Even had my picture taken with him. But this time it was much different. When I first saw him come out the stage door all the nervousness went away. He came over to us and it was like seeing an old friend again. Someone that I have known for over thirty years. Gord was VERY cordial. We talked for some minutes, had our picture taken with him and he told me that he had to make it to his motel room.

Here was my chance that I have been wanting to do for over thirty years. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye and this is what I said....

“Gord, you have no idea how much your music has meant to me over the years. To get me over the “hump”, to get me through the bad times. I will never forget the first time I heard you in December of 1970 on CKLW, out of Windsor, “If You Could Read My Mind”. I have seen you many times in concert since then. I just want to say thank you for your music. You have made my life better because of it.”

We went our separate ways.

The next morning over breakfast my whole family was still excited over meeting Gord and we were each telling our little stories and comments about the show and meeting Gord. I said Gord is coming to Cleveland September 24. My little 12 year old boy Joey looked up over at me and asked very excitedly... “Dad, can we go see Gordon Lightfoot again?”

How do you think I answered him?

Will report in after the Cleveland show tonight.

09-24-2008, 06:54 AM	#1
Wes Steele Senior Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Hudson, Ohio USA Posts: 359	Dad, Can We See Him Again? Dad, Can We See Him Again? Sorry I did not post this earlier... This past June 11, the Steele family made a two hour drive to West Virginia to see Gordon Lightfoot. It was the first time for my youngest child Joey (Joey is 12) to see him and it was the first time we saw Gord as a family. It’s been about 8 years since I saw him myself and was looking forward to it. Joey couldn't make it the last time we went because he was getting ready for open heart surgery. The concert was the typical “class” concert. It is amazing Gord has so much “wind” to perform like he does, especially what he has been through. I first saw Gord in 1973 and must have been to 40 concerts. His music has meant SO much to me over the years, the one thing that I wanted to do was personally thank him for his work. I thought that it would never happen when Gord was so seriously ill years ago. I had a sick feeling that I would never be able to tell him how his music has meant to me....I had a sick feeling that I would never see him again. The only thing I could do was to pray for him. My whole family waited to see Gord after the show on June 11. I did “meet” him in passing a couple of times over the years. Even had my picture taken with him. But this time it was much different. When I first saw him come out the stage door all the nervousness went away. He came over to us and it was like seeing an old friend again. Someone that I have known for over thirty years. Gord was VERY cordial. We talked for some minutes, had our picture taken with him and he told me that he had to make it to his motel room. Here was my chance that I have been wanting to do for over thirty years. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye and this is what I said.... “Gord, you have no idea how much your music has meant to me over the years. To get me over the “hump”, to get me through the bad times. I will never forget the first time I heard you in December of 1970 on CKLW, out of Windsor, “If You Could Read My Mind”. I have seen you many times in concert since then. I just want to say thank you for your music. You have made my life better because of it.” We went our separate ways. The next morning over breakfast my whole family was still excited over meeting Gord and we were each telling our little stories and comments about the show and meeting Gord. I said Gord is coming to Cleveland September 24. My little 12 year old boy Joey looked up over at me and asked very excitedly... “Dad, can we go see Gordon Lightfoot again?” How do you think I answered him? Will report in after the Cleveland show tonight. __________________ Wes.... Last edited by Wes Steele; 09-24-2008 at 07:15 AM.