Last night I drove 2 1/2 hours to do a 1 hour gig for senior citizens. I got a little something for it, but that's not the point.

They wanted me to sing not only my country stuff, but also old jazz standards, you know, like johnnny mathis, frank sinatra, and nat king cole type tunes. That was cool, cause I've done alot of different music in the past.

I digress but the point of my mood is; as I sang, I noticed in some of the faces a certain sadness. Maybe it's because they were in an assisted living home, maybe they miss their family, maybe the songs I sang brought back memories. It may be all of the above and then some.

After the gig I signed a few CD's, but most of them told me, as they almost all spoke on top of each other... all wanting to be heard, :) that they had such a great time, because they don't hear that kind of music anymore. Many reminisced on having seen sinatra or nat king cole in concert "way before I was born" they would say. They hugged me and thanked me, some in tears, asking if I would come back soon. I said yes, most definitely. Afterwards, I went to the room to get my belongings and noticed all the different types of make-up and lip stick... on the front of my shirt and I thought of how I love doing gigs like this on the regular. It's really rewarding for me.

One day we're all gonna be in a position of wanting to hear the old stuff, but even more importantly, having someone to spend quality time with us. No one wants to be forgotten.

If you have older folks in your life that you haven't seen or spoken to for awhile, or if you live near a senior citizens home, make a point to visit them and show your love. If you're a musician, sing something to them. Or just spend quality time doing whatever. I'm sure that when you look into their eyes you will feel rewarded like I feel.

Just wanted to share...

...take wing n fly...

Rick J