Submitted by Fred on

Tears

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Lifestyle

Last Friday I sat with Gotham Executive Director Debbie Lindner at a lunch honoring our Annamarie Bondi-Stoddard. The luncheon was hosted by The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County.

Any time I am with Annamarie and Debbie (plus a goodly number of other Gothamites) it is guaranteed to be a very nice time, but this time was even more special.

The highlight of the day was the appearance of the host's youth chorus made up of a sprinkling of loving aides and an abudance of enthusiatic and smiling kids.
When they sang "Keep Smiling" they brought tears to my eyes and when I looked over to Debbie I saw we were in harmony.

Our tears were emotional, but happy, good tears. Not your ordinary sad tears which we must endure in times of sorrow.

Needless to say, in these trying, scary times there are scant opportunities for happy, good tears.

The spontaneous expression of our basic humanity was so wonderful, so good, so nice.

Sincere thanks to the chorus for inspiring it!

Comments

Bill Waldorf

There are far too few moments in our lives such as this and most of us aren't able to share them with others. Thank you for sharing.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 00:09

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that's what i'm talking about

More beautiful than one can imagine. An amazing in the moment moment!

Submitted by Janet_Adler on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 00:31

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Janet Adler

Happiness is an uplifting blog. Today is the birthday of our second great grandchild....soon a new life will be here. Happiness! But yesterdayhis other great grandmother passed....life gives you mixed emotions. That's what it is all about I guess....

Submitted by Vincent_Serro on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 00:38

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Vincent Serro

Having been at the event I can tell you it was amazing to see the look on those kids faces. You can tell for all of them it means a lot to them to be able to perform. It really was a special moment. It was also nice to see Annamarie get honored. I was glad to be able to be there to support her.

Having said that, as the lunch wound down, a certain Gotham member was let's just say engaging in some childish behavior at the table while one of the organization's directors was sitting in the seat next to me looking on in a disapproving fashion. It may be the last time they honor a Gothamite. I will not name any names to protect the guilty...

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 00:51

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Maybe he was just pregame nervous
Annamarie Bondi-Stoddard

Seeing the sheer joy on the faces of the children in the chorus and the dedication of the many aides who are so devoted to helping each child reach their full potential was one of the most uplifting moments in my life. So glad so many of my fellow Gothamites where there to share the moment. The children's smiles were infectious. Being able to help these children even a little bit by doing what I do makes me happy!
Amparo Connors

An opportunity for special needs kids to express their happiness, and "Keep Smiling" through Music, is indeed special and inspirational. Thanks for sharing how witnessing this lovely event brought tears joy :)

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 02:56

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I would say that blog or bloglet doesn't matter if you are communicating something thoughtful and important. Sounded like a wonderful moment. - Erik Scheibe

Submitted by DebbieLindner on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 03:02

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Debbie Lindner

It was truly inspiring to see the children smiling, singing and dancing and spreading pure joy around the room. Remember as the children sang "Keep Smiling" - life is good. Enjoy the weekend everyone.

Submitted by Linda_Newman on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 03:38

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Linda Newman

Children are the future. And children with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to reach their full potential. As a Ronald McDonald House volunteer, seeing those children with cancer from all over the world being treated at NYC's top pediatric cancer centers learning to deal with the effects of the drug treatments, be away from at least part of their family, living in a city where they might not know the language is inspiring. It's Christmas every day with wonderful activities and events. Example: The "Prom" at the NYAC with Macy's donating all the trappings. We should all stop and think what we have, not what we don't have. The most important thing is health.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 05:14

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What a lovely blog, Fred, and a nice way to end the week. Thanks for sharing it with everyone. Paula from Boston
Corey Bearak

Made me think of this wonderful song by Squeeze's Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook:

http://open.spotify.com/track/63eXaNOPlzm5LkKIAGBaKy

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Sat, 05/04/2013 - 03:08

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Fred...I cry too....Another thing we have in common. My last cry of joy came only last week when my 19 year old son called me to tell me he had been accepted into the Marine Corps PLC program. The same officer candidate program that produced the likes of Bob Archer. So..In the middle of my local hardware store in Santa Cruz , California I broke down and cried. I didn't run into an aisle to hide my tears. I just cried alone in the gardening department. By the way...While I have your attention...CC Sabathia is a slug. Every start is a struggle. I could cry about it. It's Neil by the way.

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