Warmth A Blanket Cannot Offer

Warm Bodies, Happy Souls

Last night there was a benefit concert at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in Mobile. It was more than a concert, it was a gathering of like-minded people who wanted to help their fellow man while having a great time. 

Mobile winters are not Alaska cold, but our cold weather is a wet kind of cold that is bone-chilling. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be outside in it without a blanket or a decent coat. We know there are many people walking our street who suffer helplessly, especially when it is cold. This benefit was organized to help them.

There was a schedule of musicians: Deluxe Trio, Ryan Balthrop and Friends. Everyone knew with such a cause, there would be many other musicians in the crowd who would likely grace the stage at some point in the night as well. Greg DeLuca (from Mulligan Brothers) played the drums, he was relieved at one point in the night by Bryan Ayers (from Stereo Dogs). The bass player changed out a couple of times, first by John Keuler(from Molly Thomas and The Rare Birds),  then Ben Leininger (from Mulligan Brothers). There was a fabulous harmonica player, steel guitarist and electric guitarist that joined them and I do not know their names but they were all very proficient and entertaining. Singers included Eric Erdman, Holli Moseley and Angele Ballthrop (Ryan’s mother). At one point the crowd on stage included a baker’s dozen as they ended the show with a couple of Hank Becker tunes.

When the beautiful Holli Moseley stepped up, with her powerful voice, she sang “Bobby McGee”. Many in the audience joined in with the spirit of cheerleaders from the winning team at a high school homecoming game. It was awesome to watch.

The crowd happily joined in with Ryan for, “Don’t Worry About a Thing, Every little thing is gonna be alright.” Everyone also joyously sang the chorus to “Standing in The Rain”, Hank Becker’s beloved song, which was the finale. 

The reason for the show was to help the homeless feel warm for the winter. We let them know our community cares. If anyone doubted our loving hearts, last night pushed that doubt into the ground. I am certain summers are not pleasant as a homeless person, but winters are especially tough without coats and covers. Helping comfort them and providing a softer place to exist, was a win-win feeling for us all. 

It felt so good, as we gathered at Callaghan’s, in honor of those who are down, out and without. In the process we refueled ourselves. I believe everyone there, left happier than when they came.

There was another benefit of this show; we witnessed a magical night of music, and we received a warmth that's greater than the warmth a blanket might offer. 

Many people are lifted by the kindness of others. The givers are also elevated higher by the feeling of being relevant, being powerful enough to help others and feeling that together we CAN make a difference. 

Thank you to Lynn Henderson Oldshue for your valiant efforts in spearheading this and other wonderful causes. Thank you John Thompson of Callaghan’s Irish Social Club for offering your place to allow this magic to happen. Also Thank You to the wait staff last night, you had a tough job with the sheer numbers of people filling every space and requiring you to squeeze through to get the job done. You were magnificent! Thank you to everyone there that lifted the spirits and expectations of this aging lady as I witnessed it all last night.  Our homeless people will now have warm bodies, happier souls and our hearts are warmed in the process. Life isn’t perfect but it sure is good!