December 24, 2015

On the eve of the Christmas holiday and as a new year quickly approaches us, I reflect with wonder, joy and sometimes sadness on the messy world we live in. Still steadfast among the chaos and challenges, we have our music, and we still have Barry Gibb and Bee Gee memories to give us smiles and energize us as we go about our lives.

Not all memories of this past year are happy ones, but the music remains a constant. I wish for healing and peace for those in Paris and other parts of the world where evil proclaims its voice with vehemence. We need to hold on to our music and other simple pleasures that give us hope. Enjoy the little moments and be grateful for each one. Some that come to mind are the following:

The above is a photo of Niagara Falls taken just a few days ago. The majesty and beauty of the great wonders of our world are not to be missed. We hopefully will  enjoy the beauty of nature around us and take in with deep breaths all that it has to offer.

The happiness of a parent with a new baby and the miracle of life is a beautiful and uplifting joy. Let us all embrace the children and their innocent trust in the world. Think of their happiness on Christmas morning (and indeed every morning) and be glad.

On the Gibb front, there are many happy memories to put in our memory banks.

Remembering the Grammy awards and the thrill of knowing that the Bee Gees were honored gave fans confirmation that the world indeed did acknowledge their achievements.

Barry continued to lead by example as he sang for charity with Olivia Newton John.

Bee Gee Way continued to expand, and Barry was there to unveil the new addition that honors our boys.

Barry aspired to make new music, and a much-awaited album will be out in the Spring. What could be better than this?

As they have for decades, the whole Gibb family supported the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, which this year had amazing success with the Bio Hub, helping those with Type I diabetes with their challenges. Thanks to this organization and its research scientists, the world is one step closer to eradicating this disease.

Barbara Gibb, the matriarch of the Gibb family, (seen here with Yvonne and Samantha) celebrated another birthday, and we wish her blessings and love from around the world. We think of Robin, Maurice and Andy, as well as Hugh Gibb, and know that they are never far away from our thoughts.

There are many other pleasures to be embraced, among them Stephen Gibb, Samantha Gibb and all the Gibb second generation talents, Carlos Guzman and the whole Barry Gibb Band and crew, Dick Ashby and his unwavering mastery of support for Barry, and of course, Linda Gibb, whose love and strength ground Barry and the family.

I recall the words of the British poet, Thomas Osbert Mordant, who wrote in his poem “The Call”. “One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name”. Although written in the 18th century, I think his words apply to today’s world. Perhaps he was telling us that life is all about moments fully lived. Let us grab on and hold these moments to our hearts. Many blessings to all Bee Gee fans and enjoy the simple moments.