As Thanksgiving approaches, we often think of what we’re thankful for. Family, our health, warm home and good employment are often reflected on. So this year I thought I’d go with a different list of things for me to be thankful for. This is a small compilation of my life’s experiences working in radio, teaching and personal goings on that I’m grateful for.
So For These Things I am Thankful:
Over 25 years of experiencing the roar of the old Chicago Stadium crowd when a Blackhawk player scored a goal.
Getting to hug and kiss the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Sitting courtside while covering Bulls games for WLS in the mid-80’s and watching Michael Jordan’s early career wizardry.
Witnessing the attempted first Chicago Cubs night game at Wrigley on 8-8-88 from the roof top at Muprhy’s Bleachers. (and many other games from there as well)
That my father got to hear the eulogy I wrote for him a few days before he slipped into a coma and passed away.
Being recruited and hired by Larry Lujack to produce his show back in 1985; then staying Lar’s friend until his passing in 2013.
Seeing David Bowie act in “The Elephant Man” at the Blackstone Theater.
The songwriting of Hank Williams, Alan Jackson, Sammy Llanas, Brandy Clark, Pete Townsend & Tom Petty.
The fact that Ray Price singing “For the Good Times” still brings me to tears.
The guitar mastery of Mark Knopfler.
The never changing singing voice of Don Henley.
The country soul of Vince Gill, Clint Black and George Strait. Meeting all of them was also a huge thrill. And yes, ditto for Garth Brooks.
Seeing Neil Young play a solo acoustic concert for a small gathering of fans at the Channel 11 studios.
How the lyrics to Steely Dan’s “Midnight Cruiser” always take me back to my teen years and all the fun I had with my friends.
My first time concert memories of Elton John, The Who, Queen, Springsteen and the Eagles.
Private encounters with Glenn Frey, John Mellencamp and Bruce Hornsby to name a few.
Surprising scenes in “Mad Men” like when Don Draper’s real identity is revealed and what happened next.
Being an early adopter of “The Seinfeld Chronicles” TV series which morphed into “Seinfeld.”
Masterfully written movies like “The Godfather”, “Tender Mercies”, “Hannah and her Sisters”, “House of Games“ A Face in the Crowd” and “The Prestige” to name a few.
The touching eulogy scene in Waking Ned Devine, the Easter homily in “Chocolat” and the endearing words in a closing letter heard in the sorely underrated movie “Dean.”
The thrill of sitting in a dark movie theater watching previews of films I know little about yet, then seeing my movie.
The creative bond of music & comedy that helped form the special friendship I have with Al Flash.
The longtime ties of brotherly love I have with my pals Bobbo and Marko.
Seeing the happy tears of relief from parents whose children have grown, developed and found a home at our school.
The beaming smiles of my students when they grasp a concept that seemed to be too hard to get before.
The excited calls of “Mr. Mick, Mr. Mick, Mr. Mick” I get from kids who want to add their feedback to a discussion we’re having on a lesson.
The hospital bedside farewell talk my grandpa Kahler and I had before he left us over 30 years ago.
Happy Thanksgiving!
NEXT WEEK’S BLOG- Hitting To All Fields.