Concert Stories

Dear Josh,

I am writing this in letter format as if I were writing to a friend. If you were my friend I would write you this letter because I might not have the courage to tell you all that your music and the person you are has meant to me.

I discovered your music in 2004 after I went to see the movie, “Polar Express”. I loved the song and your voice.

I had just bought a new imac laptop and had downloaded itunes. When I started listening to little snatches of your songs, I realized what a gift your voice was to the world.

I am a pianist, singer and music teacher. I played music for twenty years with my husband, Jack. We played all kinds of music from Bob Dylan to jazz standards. My background is classical.

My husband passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 2004. Needless to say, I was devastated. I had a really hard time playing the music that we used to play together. That’s where you come in. After I started listening to your music, you gradually inspired me to play again. The more I listened to your music, I started to feel a feeling of serenity and comfort.

Not usre if the concert we went to was in 2004 OR 2005. We had seats in the center 9th row from stage-Fort Meyers, Florida. We drove 6 hours back and fourth to see Josh sing. I was mesmerized by his voice, his humble way and his Violin Player.
Actually all of his back-up. What a great contribution he has made to the world sharing his voice.

It was February 1, 2005, and I had just come home from outpatient treatment when I checked the answering service for any messages. There were none. I couldn't wait to get to the concert at the Phillips Arena here in Atlanta, but I was especially disappointed, because I didn't think I would meet Josh that night. I prayed for a miracle. I needed one, too, because I was at the end of my rope. I was even more upset, because I'd have to leave my beloved Guide Dog rosetta at home, because the managers at the Arena would not let me sit where I paid to, and now, I'd have to go with Theresa, a new acquaintance I'd made, and I had to take my cane. I showered, got dressed and we both left my house at 5:35 PM. We got there in record time and enjoyed some much needed food at the food court until the Arena opened at 6:30. We made our way to guest relations, and I inquired as to whether Josh would have a Meet-&-Greet, when to my surprise, I was told I was expected around 7 to be back stage for the occasion. No one asked about Rosie, so when I got there, I figured I'd show Josh my pictures of my dogs. Once I was there, I began to feel calm, and I silently thanked God for this meeting.

After seeing Josh in concert in Norfolk on February 5, 2005, I knew that I had to see him one more time before the end of the tour. So as soon as I returned home, I was on the Internet looking for tickets to the next concert closest to Virginia and discovered that Josh would be in concert in Louisville, KY in March. I then discovered that FOJG was holding an essay contest, the winner of which would be awarded two backstage passes to meet Josh. Of course, as a former English teacher, I had to enter. I wrote my essay, emailed it to the appropriate address, and waited. I had to provide a phone number where I could be reached at all times, so I provided my seldom-used cell phone. Obviously, I left that cell phone on at all times and carried it everywhere I went. On Wednesday night before the concert on Saturday, my cell rang at 9:55 p.m. What must be understood is that NO ONE EVER called me on my cell, and when it rang, I nearly fainted. After talking to the Warner Brothers rep, I was in a state of shock. I'm not sure that I actually believed that I had won such an extraordinary opportunity.
TO BE CONTINUED...