The Subject: Your Influence At 21:06:40 on 02/22/06, Brian Kennedy (onekennedy@adelphia.net) wrote:
from Brian Kennedy on 02/22/06
Good evening, Mr. Rankin. I take great pleasure to thank you for your place in the lives of each member of our family of seven. In the mid 1970's, my eldest brother introduced our family to your talents with the "Like a Seed" album. Little did we know that you would bring us joy with each new album, and every child birth that came along for us to share your sounds with. Our first concert with you was at the SDSU campus. It was in a place called the "Back Door". We sat on the floor. The sounds that you and your accompanyment of friends made for all in attendance was magic. That was thirty years ago. We have every album and CD you have released. We sing, cry and smile with each song. As I end this email, I am going to embark on a personal note to you and your heart. My mom is dying. She is the one who knows, sings, and cherishes your person the most in our family. She has recently stabilized in her condition, although we work to keep her spirits up. She lives in Olympia, Washington. I live in Cleveland, Ohio. I was in line with the many that were waiting to see you in our night spot called "Night Towne" recently. We were so saddened to find that you were not feeling well. We missed you terribly. I nearly had my mom flown out to hear you. Yet, she was being tested for the current condition. I flew to Seattle to see her two weeks ago. She is not really doing well enough to hold the 'alive with love' conversations that we all cherish so much. However, it is very important for you to know this: I am one who knows your music like she does. I sing the highs and the lows. I know the love it strikes in my mom to have accompanied her in your musice while on the turn table. So...I stood by her hospital bed and sang to her. I sang Sunday Kinda Love, Silver Morning and Lost up in Loving you. To my utter amazement...my dispondant mother began to perk up and join me in very low tones! She was there and on key with the best of her ability. This is more than amazing. Your influence in her and our lives has been real, and marked. I would ask that you please consider making a visit to my mom's bedside while she is in recovery. We will pay for your visit, and your stay at a hotel. This is not a request that many receive in a life time. You are her favorite singer and personality. We all attest to this. Please allow yourself this one act of charity for a person who is as light as the mist of your silver morning and has the heart of love like the person in your song "Merie". We are hearbroken over our mother. She is our life and the center of our existance. Will you please consider our request from the heart of seven children that know your visit would be more than healing? I beg of you, Mr. Rankin. When you sang with Diane Sure at Humphry's By the Bay, I held you in my heart for my mom. I would ask, beg and provide the means for you to make our serious need a realitiy, Please. Sincerely and in sadness of heart, Brian Kennedy
