I haven’t started work yet today, and just finished watching a video piece on the Today Show. It was a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Make a Wish Foundation. The little boy in the piece had a rare form of Leukemia. His wish was to meet a WWE wrestler that he idolized. As I watched, I am reminded that it doesn’t matter if you are six like that little boy, or 34 years old like Shari. I am happy that I was part of something that made a wish for Shari come true last Friday night.
Shari and I love James Taylor. I started to listen to “JT” way back when I went to camp Northland. To me, music is very powerful. You remember where you were when you heard a song, how it made you feel, and the people you were with and the experiences you had.
That has continued to this day, for Shari and I. When JT comes to town, we have to go. It is as simple as that. Until this year. When we first found out that he was coming to town, Shari had just found out her match was found. She told me that she didn’t think that we would be able to go this year. So, we never bought the tickets and I put it out of my mind.
Last week, Tuesday May 25th, Shari found out that she was cancer free. CANCER FREE! Her transplant was 75 days ago (at that time). That news really helped her turn a corner in her healing. She took her car out of her garage for the first time in almost a year, and drove it!
Which brings us to Friday May 28th. I was out with my mom and my nieces and received a call from a friend. The call was, “Have you spoken to Shari? You have to phone her right now. You are going to James Taylor tonight”….HUH????? So, I phoned another friend, who turned out to be our make a wish angel – saying that she had four tickets for us to the concert.
When I spoke to Shari, she sounded very tired, and I wasn’t sure how this was all going to work. But I knew that it was a gift. Shari was cancer free, and we were going to JT – together. And I was going to see her for the first time since February 28th, before her transplant.
So Shari, Ashley and I embarked on our journey. We arrived at the concert late to avoid the crowds. We ALMOST didn’t get a parking spot, but there were angels ALL around. One car drove out of the lot as we were driving in. So, we took the last spot in the lot.
We arrived at our seats (5th row) and just looked at each other and said, “can you believe we are here”. I don’t know if I have the words to explain how it felt. To be sitting watching JT (and Carole King) with Shari. Shari had several emotional moments, as did I. The song “Fire and Rain” was very emotional for me, and of course, “You’ve got a friend”. After we stood for the ovation, we just hugged.
That was the last song before the encore. We had to leave before the crowds, so I gave Shari the choice to stay or go. She just looked at me and said, “they are going to sing Up on the Roof, I just have a feeling”…which is her song. So we stayed, and they came out and started to sing Up on the roof. Right after that we dashed out before the crowds and went to the car.
As I read back what I have just written, I realize that it doesn’t even touch the surface to what I am (was) really feeling about that night. To see Shari, for the first time in three months, to know that she is cancer free, to know that she is going to live….what can I say?
Here’s to all the moments we have already shared, and all the moments we have yet to share.
The Lisa Chronicles 
Lisa,
I was one of the fortunate who not only got to experience the concert, but ran into you during intermission. The joy on your face and the excitement in your voice as we hugged and you explained the story to me in person, was truly magical. When I returned to my seat and told my friends about your situation, they had tears in their eyes. Here is hoping for many more JT concerts for you and Shari together for many years to come. Refuah Shelemah to all!
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…and I was the other person who bumped into you, Shari and Ashley during intermission. It was incredible being bombarded with both you and Shari saying you messaged me to say you would both be there. I kept thinkig of our discussions last year at the Hava Nagila Drive, when I was talking about my love of Carole King, and your and Shari's love of J.T. All I could think of the couple weeks leading up to the concert was that I thought neither of you would make it because it was so close to Shari's tarnsplant. Seeing you there with Shari's huge smile and warm, tight hug lit up my face more than bumping into Carole King earlier in the morning…OK, almost 😉 I too, left for my seat (about 20 ft. beside/ahead) with tears in my eyes.I even took a couple pics of you, Shari and Ashley form my seat LOL.
If ever you get the chance to peruse through some of Carole's songs, take a listen to “Simple Things”. I think it might become a favourite for you and Shari.
XO Adrienne
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I am stunned speechless – this is so absolutely amazing, when I first read it on FB I thought there was no way I could be reading it correctly! Cancer Free??!!! At a CONCERT??!!!
Freakin' AWESOME.
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