I suppose there are many things I could say about the Milwaukee St Patrick's Day Bruce Springsteen concert. I could talk about the set list. I could talk about how much older everyone appears. I could detail everything Bruce said - how he remembered the history of where he was playing ("Are you loose?"). I could talk about his politics. But, you've all been too kind to mention how poor I am at reviews. Plus, there are really nice reviews out there already.
I guess what I want to mention is how the concert made me feel. Bruce Springsteen's music in general is so uplifting and I always feel happier listening to it. To give you an example, take a look at the lyrics for Lonesome Day or my all-time favorite, Badlands. Those songs really helped me through the struggles we had after our nation suffered on 9/11/01 and my own family struggled through two miscarriages and the devastating diagnosis of Aidan's heart defect while I was pregnant and the subsequent 4 heart surgeries.
While at Monday's concert, I felt so good inside. I was able to catch up with my good friend, Scott, and his wife Kathy and also have Jeff at my side. I started thinking about the concerts I've been to from the first E Street concert in the late 90's that I ever attended with Jeff while we were still dating. Bad acoustics, worse seats, but still exciting!
Then there was the first leg of The Rising tour. I went with Scott in September of '02 and it also happened to be the day Aidan was conceived. I guess that is probably too much information in itself and no, Scott's not the dad. After two miscarriages and fertility drugs, I was very precise in what I knew about what was going on... Let's just say I had to leave work early and meet Jeff at home before going to the concert. Anyway, I attended that concert full of hope and I was not disappointed. We were very close to the stage though high up. We were able to see a lot of the stage interactions. It was a great concert.
The following year, I had given birth to Aidan and we had made it through the first two heart surgeries. Scott and I attended the second leg of The Rising tour at a different venue. I remember being so happy to be out of the house and that the concert was a year to the day (or close) from the previous concert. I was breastfeeding and I know as the night went on it was tougher and tougher to dance. I loved being a new mom and rarely got out so this was a very happy time.
In 2006, Aidan had his 4th heart surgery and it was open-heart. Our family was under a lot of stress due to this and other circumstances. I didn't feel the relief I thought I would after Aidan surgery was over in May and he was alright. They were grim times for us. One of the lights of that year was going the month following Aidan's surgery to see Bruce perform with the Seeger Sessions Band. Not only was the music fantastic but the musicians (20+) were so talented. It was just plain fun and, of course, uplifting. Jeff turned to me after the first song and said it was the best song he had ever heard. He was so right. I will never forget that concert and must say it was the best one I've ever been to.
Jeff and I don't get out often. We can't afford it and don't have a babysitter outside of my mom or my sister, Heather. So going out in general is extra special. And Monday's concert was no different. I was able to reflect on all we have been through and how much better our life is now. How happy I was to be there. How hopeful I am of the future. How much better of a person I want to be. Thanks Bruce.
So this is a real personal rambling and If you've made it this far, all I have to say is "Thanks, Mom!"
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