[NEohioPAL] The Power of Christmas

[Al Diamond Phillips]

The Power of Christmas

	On Saturday Dec 20th, I held my annual Christmas show The Al Diamond Phillips Rockin Christmas Spectacular. As usual the show was a lot of fun, and the audience reaction to the show left me with warm feelings that will carry me through until next years show. One reaction to the show however, will stay with me much longer. 

	Each year after the show, I like to walk out into the hall, and meet with the people who have come to see the show. There are usually some handshakes, hugs and even kisses, but I never expected what happened this year. As I was talking to people I noticed a woman moving toward me. She was using a walker, and seemed very determined to talk to me. When she got to me she stepped away from her walker, and gave me one of the most intense hugs I think I have ever had. What she said though I will never forget. She told me that she had recently tried to commit suicide, and that she had not felt happy or had a reason to smile in a very long time.  She then thanked me for giving her that reason to smile. I immediately got choked up. I was so taken back that I had touched someone this way that I didn’t know what to say. The few minutes that I spent with this woman, made the entire show for the past four years worth it.

This years ticket sales were less than stellar, and at one point the thought of cancelling had crossed my mind. I decided to stay the course, and although sales weren’t great, we ended up with a respectable number, and the show went on as planned. I am so happy now that we were able to do the show, because of the happiness that I felt from someone so troubled. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. As performers we sometimes get caught up in trivial things, but this reminded me of why I love music, and why I love to perform. For that I will be forever thankful.


Al Diamond Phillips