Barry Manilow’s music has touched the lives of many. For some it’s a favorite song or remembering a special moment. For others, his music has changed their life - I speak from personal experience on that one. For all, the music of Manilow has weaved into the day to day of life, making the good times happier, the hard times bearable.
Every fan has a story, but some, like the one that follows, touches my heart as it brings to focus the innate genius of Barry Manilow. He doesn’t only create and perform tremendous music - enough in and of itself - he does it in a way that reaches the heart, mind, soul and yes, makes us feel.
Christine Gatta…
resides in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. Later in our conversation we’ll talk about her admiration of Barry Manilow, but now her soft voice fills with pride and excitement as she tells me about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s she’ll participate in on September 10, in honor of her father, Joe Gatta, a victim of the disease.
At first her monetary goal was small, as the funds came in, she had the courage to raise the goal higher. Now just $1,005.00 from her goal of $10,000.00, she’s raised the highest donations in her area, a fact that thrills and flabbergasts as she offers deep thanks to her friends and co-workers.
It breaks her heart seeing him in this condition; “I can’t believe this is my dad”. A “self made man, with plenty of street smarts” Joe spent his childhood working with his dad, in the wholesale candy business he began after immigrating from Naples, Italy. Joe left the family business, embarking on a career in real estate. He worked hard for his family, giving them a good life. Loving what he did, his work was never a job, but something he enjoyed. His daughter bears the same work ethic.
The music of Manilow; a powerful affect, a source of comfort!
Though only seven in 1975, Christine laughs remembering “I thought he was cute” when seeing the picture of Barry and his dog on the back of the album her Mom purchased after hearing “I Write the Songs” on the radio. More importantly, she remembers his music making her feel happy, even at such a young age,.
Looking back over the years, many of which haven’t been easy, she says “I have been blessed with having the music of Barry Manilow surrounding me.” She lovingly admits to being “extremely fortunate to have a family that loved Manilow as much as I did”. Her parent’s took her to “more concerts than I could imagine in the Philly/New York/New Jersey area”.
When she was nineteen, friends of her parents helped organize a benefit in for the 200th anniversary of the Constitution Philadelphia. Barry didn’t perform, but attended the event. Her dad, knowing what it would mean to his daughter worked some magic so she could meet the man person. Introducing himself to Barry he said “my name is Joe Gatta and this is my daughter Christine. She’s been one of yours since she was a little girl.” She’ll never forget her dad doing this for her..
In her early twenties, Christine struggled with health issues of her own. She states with all utmost sincerity and gratitude “I could not have made it without the music of Barry. He gave me hope and strength that helped me pull through that difficult time in my life. My mom and dad were so happy that I found happiness in my sorrow.”
She’s forthright telling me what the issues were, I ask if I may share them, “yes, perhaps my being truthful will help someone else not feel as alone as I did going through them, when not even doctors, took the time to understand.” She battled anorexia nervosa, compounded by obsessive compulsive disorder.
At a time when it was thought best to hospitalize her, she begged to get through it her way, continuing with her college studies, paring classes down to two per week. She signed up for a class in psychology course, because it’s focus was OCD. She learned the professor personally suffered with the disorder. Upon completion she was invited back to speak to his classes, sharing first hand the debilitating affects.
Listening to Barry’s music, or looking forward to an upcoming show, along with the love and support of her family, she made it through the rain!
When Barry announced he’d no longer be touring. She knew the only way to see him would be to travel to Vegas, and that’s just what she and her family did, complete with a platinum package. She laughs telling me that just a few months after the trip, a concert was scheduled right in her home town of Philadelphia. I tell her that show holds fond memories for me, it was my first - I’d originally planned my only - Manilow concert.
She enjoys taking a friend or co-worker to a show with her. They might have wondered what the attraction was, but once they see Barry perform they always leave the show, happily telling her “now I get it!”
Christine mentions what a great place the world would be if everyone could experience and hold on to the joy and energy one feels at a Barry Manilow concert. We marvel at his energy and his ability to hold an audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he takes the stage, until the moment he leaves. She has tremendous respect for him, as do I, in how all these years he’s kept his private life private. How smart he was from the very beginning to never cause his name to be dragged through gossip.
Joe Gatta’s battle begins!
Four years ago, her dad began to show signs of dementia. He became increasingly dependent on the love of his life, Christine’s mom. There were times when she’d run out on an errand, and he’d sit wistfully watching at the window for her return. Taking him for trips to the mall, to give her mom a much needed break, he’d suddenly ask Christine “who’s your father?” She’d choke back tears, he was slipping away, “you are Daddy” to which he’d say “no one ever told me that”.
At time’s when his mood would be low, Christine would say “Dad how about we listen to Barry, or watch one of his dvd’s?” Joe would immediately perk up and show signs of happy recognition. She’d often tell her mom “I think you need to put Barry on for daddy more often”.
When Barry did a concert in Atlantic City in the summer of 2010, Christine bought tickets for her mom, dad and grandfather. Of course she enjoyed the show, but the memory is bittersweet, she knew then it would be the last concert her father would be able to attend.
Late last year, his health deteriorated to the point of needing to be placed in assisted living. Ironically, Christine didn’t know when she bought her condo several years ago, the facility next door, would one day be her Father’s home. She’s greatful for the ironic proximity, which afffords her the ability to stop by and see him every day. Upon waking, she looks out and silently says “good morning Daddy”.
The family worries about the toll taken on her mom, “the most amazing woman”. She visits her husband twice a day, everyday, talking to him and keeping hope alive he might come back for just a moment, as he did not long ago, when he looked into her eyes and said “I love you”.
He’s one of the youngest patients there. A man who loved life, his family, music, now “unfortunately, can’t walk, feed himself or move all that much. He keeps his eyes closed most of the time and will say only a word or two”.
Finding joy in sadness!
Christine misses the dad she knew and wishes he didn’t have to go through this. Yet she counters her sadness with joy and thanks, our conversation ends leaving me humbled and hopeful, happy once again, because of Barry Manilow, another great person has entered my life.
She expresses abounding gratitude for her family, friends, the staff who gives her beloved dad great care, and for Barry’s music still bringing her joy when she needs it the most. Through this experience and what she’s been through herself, she knows first hand life is fragile. And so she looks forward to her plans to attend Barry’s concert at Radio City in New York City next February, she knows her father would be happy for her.
Her muscles will get a work out on September 10th, but the energy in her heart will see her to the finish line. She hopes her dad would be proud of her, I have absolutely no doubt he is. But I pray, as the family gathers the next day to celebrate Joe Gatta’s birthday on September 11th, he’ll come back from the place this devastating disease has taken him, if only for a moment, so he can tell his daughter just how very proud he is. With hope, there’s always a chance for a miracle!
Please visit Christine’s pledge page, if you’d like to support her in the 2011 Walk to end Alzheimer’s
Isabella
Helen,
Once again you have captivated me with your writing. Wishing the best to Christine during her crusade. What a very heart-warming and eye-opening story about this disease. And, yes, the music does do wonderful things. Thanks again!