Topic: Joe Bonamassa - the GIFT that keeps on GIVING
Good Morning All,
As if having Joe's music added to my life wasn't enough of a gift, now I need to take a minute to try to express my gratitude for this website, and specifically for this incredible forum. I am so grateful to Joe, to each person in his support network (whether compensated or volunteer), and to my fellow forum members. I have been so impressed with the caliber of people who surround Joe and those who participate here - funny, clever, passionate, witty, wise, gifted, generous, comforting, funny, enthusiastic, interesting, tender, sweet, sassy, and oh, did I say FUNNY?? I just had to take a moment to tell you how glad I am to be here with you. Little did I realize how much the small gesture of joining this forum would bring into my life. I wanted to share this story.
One day, recently, while staring at the Tour Page, longing to see a new California date pop up miraculously, another thought occurred to me. Who did I know in all the other cities where Joe would be appearing? Certainly, for us, the next best thing to seeing Joe ourselves is getting someone else to their first Joe show! And so, with that in mind, my mood instantly changed from disappointment to delight! I glanced at the list for possibilities and the Jacksonville date stared back at me. I remembered our old friend Mike. I asked my husband if he was still living there. Tragically, Mike's young wife had passed away suddenly three years ago and we hadn't heard more than a peep from him since then. We hadn't received responses to our emails and Christmas cards in quite awhile. I decided to give it another shot.
My email was kicked back immediately. Neither of his phone numbers worked. Frightened that in all likelihood this was an indication that he HAD indeed moved, and that we would perhaps never hear from him again, I was really sad, but I thought I would give it one last try. I wrote him a short letter and sent it to the only address I had for him.
Success!!! Mike called about a week later and said, "Hey Libby, it's Mike! What's up? and WHO is this Joe Bonamassa guy??? and WHY do I have to go see him??" Yippee!!! Long story short......he's going to the JAX show.......and, in the past year or two he reconnected with his high school sweetheart and is WILDLY HAPPY AND IN LOVE again.......AND we get to see them this week when they pop out to California for a quick surprise birthday party for his Mom. Talk about a happy ending!
You know, life just happens......time passes and sometimes we fade in and out of one another's lives without really meaning to. Honestly, I truly feel that we may never have reconnected with our dear friend if it hadn't been for Joe, his website, and this forum.
Since joining such a very short time ago, I have received SO MUCH MORE than I ever could have guessed possible. New friendships, an incredible and diverse education, tons of endorphins from the frequent belly laughter, a much deeper insight into Joe and his music, and, like the story I just told, MANY, MANY unexpected, priceless gifts. It's a great place to be. Thank you Joe, for making it available and for allowing me to be a part of it. It's a magical place. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Much LOVE to all who have put this big grin on my face,
Libby
Bill S.
