True Americana

Today I am sharing with you how one can feel so much passion and joy in one moment, and to feel devastated and sad in the next moment. Is this about dating? No. Is this about cheating spouses? No. This is about feelings within. Allow me to continue………

In today’s trying times it’s nice to hear about something wonderful and positive! No one wants to read anymore about crime or politics!

I would like to share a “True Americana” moment I had back in April of 2013.

I am a lifelong resident of the great State of Massachusetts, and like many others, I grew up watching the Boston Red Sox on television. I don’t remember seeing National Anthem performances but I do remember the actual baseball games.

Before I go on, let me tell you that when I was growing up, I wanted to be a nurse or a singer. Two totally different career paths I know! As the years went on, I realized I wouldn’t be a good nurse since I am not good at science and I hate the sight of blood. I also realized that music was part of me. For as long as I can remember, music has kept me sane! Thank goodness we had actual "music class" when I was growing up. Singing is something that soothes me and I love sharing my voice with others 

In 2013, I actually got to live my dream at Fenway Park, when I had the esteemed privilege to sing God Bless America during the 7th Inning Stretch! Now normally, the 7th Inning Stretch is NOT televised, but on that day (the day before Patriot’s Day), it WAS televised!

This is going to sound crazy to most people, but whenever I am asked if I was nervous singing in front of 32,000 people, in the middle of the Baseball Field, my answer is “No!”  I go on to say “I am nervous singing in small groups of people because the audience is so close to the singer, but when you are out there on the field, you own that moment. That moment you get to celebrate America by singing the National Anthem or God Bless America (and you realize you are on the jumbotron)! I will always remember that amazing feeling and celebrate that true honor.

Taking it down a notch, the next day, April 15, 2013…………….

I am assuming that people reading this story remember that day well, and moreover, the survivors and loved ones left behind will never forget that day... Nor will any of us, both in New England and across the country. The day of the Boston Marathon Bombing. The only bright spot from that event is the magnitude of the tragedy brought humanity closer together. We helped each other, cared for our neighbors and strangers, and just respected our country and those in it.

Fast forward to 2020…………….

What has happened to that humanity? Now we see discord, anger and hate so often.... it is truly spreading like wildfire. It does no good to place blame on any one political party or one person. We all need to remember our humanity. We need to move forward and try to solve issues in a peaceful and productive way. Hanging on to hate is not good for anyone, but especially those who hold onto that hate like a child clings to his teddy bear, and refusing to let it go.

April 15, 2013 is almost a distant blur now……….. the day that brought us closer together as Americans. No one wants to wait for another tragedy to bring us back together and to love and respect each other.

I certainly am not going to solve the issues surrounding us today, by sharing my story with you. Some may say, "oh big deal...etc. etc....", BUT, I just wanted to share a little piece of my heart for it may touch just one soul. If we touch one, we have taken a step forward toward unity and away from disparity. Remember, music is universal. We all listen to music. Somehow and some way we will find our way out of this in-harmoniousness.

Please take a moment today……… take a deep breath…….. think about my story……….. make a positive change, and pay it forward. Always keep a song in your heart.