Going To See An Old Friend Tonight...

[Wes Steele]

Going to see an old friend tonight. He’s NOT the same and he IS the same as he was years ago.

First “met” him in December 1970 listening to radio station CKLW as I was travelling to Erie, Pennsylvania in a snow storm.

It seemed like he was always around when I needed him.

When I had to break up with my first “true love”, he was there to console me. He made me feel better because he was through it himself. You just knew he was through it himself because of his words.

A year or two later. another, much more serious relationship had to end. This one really hurt and my friend came to me again. I thought that there was something wrong with me. I am probably the only one who has gone through something like this. I am doing something wrong. It is all my fault. No. My friend went through it also. He knew what I just went through and how I felt. He helped me get by.

Down the road in another relationship hitting the skids, my friend helped me get out of it. Confusing and painful, I was blaming myself too much my friend “told” me. Again, he helped me and taught me how to cope.

After my wife miscarried on a Good Friday years ago, a few weeks later on a Sunday night by friend came to town. It was good for my wife and I to see my friend on this cool spring night. Both of us felt better about things after that concert. He picked both of us up. He is a good friend.

I have mixed emotions about seeing my friend tonight. We had to bury another long time friend this past week. How quickly the time goes by. You never think it will happen. Alone last night, I cried for my friend that we buried on Monday. I don’t know why I cried? For missing a friend?.... for the family that remains here on earth? For his wise cracks that I always enjoyed?

When I do see my friend tonight on stage here in Cleveland, it will have a little more meaning. It very easily could be the last time that I see him. My experiences in life have taught me that nothing stays the same. Losing a friend this past week will just make me appreciate the friend I will see tonight, much, much more.

Wes....nice for you to share how music, Gordon's in particular for you, had helped you through some rough times. I'm so sorry to know that you lost a good friend, and the tears you cried...no need to answer as to why you did because you did and you had to.

At some point on Sunday, I finally did cry and it was something I had to keep to myself most of the weekend, starting on Friday when I went to the concert at Harvard -the day that marked the 25th anniversary of my father's death. And there were reminders of that right in front of me all during the concert.

Enjoy the moment -that's what it's all about and that's what I did on Friday night. I allowed for some private moments for thought and reflection here and there and thouroughly enjoyed a wonderful performance .

[Wes Steele]

podunklander,

I was questioning myself whether to post that. Maybe a little to personal I thought. I am glad that you posted with your comments.

Your post made me feel a bit better.

Thank you again,

[johnfowles]

Originally Posted by Wes Steele

I have mixed emotions about seeing my friend tonight. It very easily could be the last time that I see him.

Wes how could you say such a thing, let alone think it . It hit the nail squarely on the head and made me want to cry
I sincerely suggest now that rather than trying to remember and blurt out your speech you should simply print that posting out
on a piece of smart paper and if later today you get the chance to get face to face with Gord hand it to him (tell him John Fowles told you to do so!!)
BTW I was not trying to get at you in my previous reply to your other thread.Yes anyone here who claims not to be reduced to the status of a gibbering idiot when near Gord is lying. I had three carefully worked out topics/questions to ask him last weekend yet despite talking to him after all 3 shows I got absolutely nowhere

[charlene]

Wes, I'm sorry to hear about your friend and your sorrow.

I think all of us here can relate to the good and bad times when we have had the man and his music help us through grief or celebrate the highs in life.

I hear people tell him that as I wait my turn to spend a moment with him - people call out from their seats..a lady called out after Beautiful the other night that she had that song at her wedding!

A connection is made through the music and we feel we must let him know how important it is to us..he appreciates that as much as we do the music and him.

Go and see him..you know it will be wonderful - let us know how wonderful..

[teherie]

FWIW, Beautiful was played at my wedding too. (9/7/79). I also have pewter statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting in front of me as well as an copy of the book that were wedding gifts from my wife. Don Quixote was the first song I ever played and sang for my wife.

Wes: Hope you enjoyed the show.