One Grandfather’s Memory

A few years ago my first grandson was born, and through that I discovered the best title a man can have in his life, been a Grandpa. There is a special connection with your grandkids that you never had before, even with your own kids. I believe it’s because you’re in a different season in your life, more mature and because there’s not too much time left so you want to enjoy it at its fullest.

I’ve heard many beautiful memories and stories about this magical relation between grandparents and grandkids, but if I have to choose one, I would pick Barry Manillow’s. ?

A few years ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to go to one of his shows in Las Vegas. The production was really good, starting with some of his earlier record success from the sixties and then moving on to more recent songs. Anyway, that wasn’t the best part of the show… at least for me and many others.

During one of the intermissions, he sat in front of the audience and started talking about his Grandpa Joe and how he was a big influence for him. As an immigrant from Russia his grandfather worked very hard but on Sunday, wearing his best suit, he always took Barry across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. There at the Times Square they went to a booth to where they could record their voice. Together they spent time singing many old songs. Barry also explained that this was his first experience with music and it touched him very deeply.

We were enjoying the story very much, but the best was yet to come. After a small pause he continued by telling the audience that after long time, he would recover the old machine recordings. With the help of some engineer friends, they re-mastered the audio. Then, an old picture of both appeared on the background as Grandpa Joe’s raspy strong voice surrounded the theater singing a traditional song. No one could avoid shedding a few tears at that very emotional moment.

I think, there is no better way to be remembered in this life.?