Mercy

There are a few things that excited my mom growing up that bring back great memories for me. The Neil Diamond era was one; an amazing recitation of every song and emotion after watching the Jazz Singer. Next was her telling me about Somewhere in Time (I was sitting on the floor of her sewing room in Utah. She was mending) I listened intently as she told me every detail of Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve, who in her words was strikingly handsome, fall in love being from different decades.  Her excitement of this show (and description of him pulling out the wrong coin) made it my favorite before I ever saw it and years later resulted in CEMs middle name being that of Janes character Elise McKenna. And of course the Don Williams concert. Don, a humble country boy, who in her words "just sat in the middle of the stage and talked and sang to us". Best Friend, Yellow Moon, Amanda, Some Broken Hearts Never Mend, I believe in you, Tulsa time, Good Ole Boy Like Me were all songs that we grew up to and sang along with.  Every time his songs come on I think of her full joy of watching his concert.

A couple of weeks ago she asked if I wanted to go to his concert tonight. A drive to Tucson after what I knew would be a travel day, and I wasn't going to miss it. After an exhausting day I questioned my judgement in saying yes until I saw her eyes light up when he came on stage. Singing under her breath on some songs and loudly on others. And being one of the first for standing ovation. A memory today that will not be forgotten, and shared with some pretty cool people.

The Gentle Giant

Don Williams, age 74 (I googled it after a debate of 72 or 76. And in 1978 he wrote a song about being over 30. Sigh I remember that song growing up and expecting to only know a few songs- I knew all but one).