We first got the tickets for the concert in January, then the show was moved to April. It was pushed back again, this time to late July. When the day came, and the performance began, I couldn’t help but belt out: “Looks like we made it,” right along with Barry Manilow. After going through treatment for lung cancer, he had indeed made it — much to the relief of the many “fanilows” in attendance.
Some of my extended family members have been to his concerts many times, but it was my first time seeing him perform. At the age of 83, Manilow was unstoppable, with great energy and vocal power. I also learned that not only was he a wonderful entertainer, he was an excellent storyteller as well.
He spoke of growing up in a poor area of Brooklyn, raised by a single mother and wonderful grandparents. It was his grandfather that recognized, very early on, that Manilow was a singer. He would take him as a young boy to a coin-operated voice recording booth in Times Square — first just getting him to sing Happy Birthday. Many years later, when Barry first sang at Carnegie Hall — not far from the place where they first recorded those songs — his grandfather was front and center leading the crowd to a standing ovation.
At this point in the concert Manilow sang a beautiful song, “This One’s for You,” that he dedicated to his grandfather.
All this got me thinking of the power of grandparents, teachers, coaches, scout leaders and other mentors that help encourage us along the way. They see something inside of us and help bring it out. I will always be indebted to Mrs. Gaumer, my 11th grade creative writing teacher, who marked big A’s on my stories. It was my favorite class, and her faith in me was a catalyst that keeps me writing stories to this day.
But what about when you don’t have someone who can clearly see your gifts or what you are meant to do in life? How do we discover our purpose and know it is the right choice?
This topic came up when I was recently speaking to a young college-aged man who wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do when he graduated. He knew it had something to do with his chosen field of chemistry, but wasn’t sure which avenue he should pursue. He was considering options such as electrical chemistry or nuclear chemistry. It was fascinating to hear him talk about these subfields of which I knew nothing about.
It was then I remembered a quote by Frederick Buechner that I thought might help him. Buechner said: “The place God calls you is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” I could see the wheels turning in his brain as he thought about where his passions and the world’s needs might intersect. I told him why I write —because I enjoy encouraging others through storytelling —and hope people come to know that they are deeply loved by a merciful God.
Some people discover their purpose early on, others may discover it later in life. Either way, just like Manilow, we can use our gifts right up until the end of our lives. As the members of the audience swayed with arms around each other to, “I write the songs that make the whole world sing,” it was clear that Manilow is using his talents well into his golden years — bringing enjoyment and entertainment to fans all over the world.
Deana Lattanzio is a freelance writer and essayist. Visit her website at Deanalattanzio.com.
