My New Fiance, Fingers Taylor, and Jimmy...Update Pg 3

GumboPirate · Post by **GumboPirate** » December 7, 2008 7:56 pm

It has been an emotional roller coaster for me this past month.

Both of my parents were diagnosed last year with stage IV cancers. This would be hard enough as it is, but I have 4 younger brothers and sisters (the youngest being 8 ). Over the last year, I've learned more about my parents than I had ever previously known--I have never seen them exhibit such strength and courage (or maybe I had and never realized it until now). To help out with the costs my parents had incurred, the Youngstown Parrot Head Club, of which I am an actively involved member, planned a huge fundraiser, which was held last night. My father was so excited for the party--it was all he talked about for months. Sadly, however, he lost his battle with the horrible disease on 11-23, a few days before Thanksgiving.

Needless to say, the holidays will be tough. The question was asked if the benefit should be called off--if my mother, who is also battling cancer, would be too upset. She said no--my father would have wanted the party to go on and that she knew he would be there in spirits.

So the planning for the party continued, and my family just continued to keep busy--trying our best to make it through the holidays. Then we got good a good update on my mom's condition, and we all breathed a tiny sigh of relief (even though she still has a long fight ahead of her).

We continued to take it day by day, and then I got a phone call from a dear friend--Mike Humes, the one who was spear-heading the benefit for my family--and he said that the band who was playing the benefit (Fins To The Left) had contacted Mr. Fingers Taylor, and that he was flying in to be at the dinner and play. I was ecstatic. I told my mom and she started to cry. I found out that I was going to be playing a few songs with him myself. I was tickled pink.

As I was practicing a few of the songs this past Friday (12/5) which I was going to perform with Mr. Taylor, my cell phone rang. Private number. I debated whether to answer--none of my friends have private numbers. Still, I picked it up. I nearly p!ssed myself when I heard who was on the other line:

"Hey, AJ. This is Jimmy Buffett. How are you doing today?"

I was in shock. It couldn't really have been. He then proceeded to tell me how the story of my family eventually ended up on his desk and how he came into possession of my phone number--through Mike Humes. He sent his deepest sympathies and talked about how he got through the difficult year when he lost both of his parents. We talked a little about the benefit and a little about life. We talked about my dad and how the rest of the family was doing. I was flabbergasted. He then asked me what he could do. I told him to keep doing what he has been doing--his music and tours have been a cornerstone of our family and bring us more joy than he will ever know. He then asked if it would allow him to have our family as his guests at a show on this summers tour. I told my mom and she started balling. My little siblings were jumping up and down. I told him it would be our honor. I told him how much the phone call meant to me, and thanked him for taking the time out of his busy schedule to put a smile on the face of a fan who could really use one. He asked if there was anything else that he could do, and I asked if he could leave my outgoing voicemail message (got the idea from reading the story of Keith's Anguilla trip and phone call a year or so ago).

He did, and it now says: "Hey. You have reached AJs phone, and this is Jimmy Buffett the answering machine. Leave AJ a message and he will call you back if he is not lost in Margaritaville somewhere. Don't forget to have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year."

Everyone has been calling my phone to hear it--I have decided to turn my phone off for a few days.

The next day (12/6) was the benefit. I had a surprise hidden up my sleeve to try and bring some happiness to the occasion. Mike and I had arranged a special fixed drawing for a door prize. Five names were drawn and the contestants came up on stage. With these 5 contestants, Mike did a reverse raffle, with the person whose name remaining in the hat winning the big prize. We set it up so that my girlfriend of 6 years would win. Inside a huge gift-wrapped box on stage was me dressed in a Santa suit, kneeling and holding out an engagement ring. When she opened the box, she nearly fainted. Tears of joy were pouring out of every eye in the facility. The band played "Love and Luck" while we danced to celebrate. It is a moment I will never forget.

I then got to play a few songs with Mr. Fingers Taylor, which included: Door #3, Frank & Lola, and Chanson Pour Les Petits Enfan.

While I lost my dad, the past 48 hours have shown me that he is still with us. I talked to my idol, played with Fingers Taylor, and got engaged to the most wonderful woman in the world, all within a 2 day span, with my dad beside me every step of the way.

ladyparrothead · Post by **ladyparrothead** » December 7, 2008 8:04 pm

I am sorry to hear of you loss but what a wonderful story. Keep those memories forever.

springparrot · Post by **springparrot** » December 7, 2008 8:09 pm

Fabulous story!!!
Keep smiling

flipflopgirl · Post by **flipflopgirl** » December 7, 2008 8:15 pm

(((((((((((((((((((((((AJ))))))))))))))))))))) that is awesome!!!!! i think i still have your number!!! I will have to call!!!

So happy you got a phone call from Jimmy and you got to play with Fingers!!!! That is fantastic!!!!

(((((((((((((((((((AJ and family))))))))))))))))) so sorry for your loss!!!

but i am glad you still feel him in your hearts!!!!

Congrats on the engagement!!!

PICTURES?????????

parrothead3282 · Post by **parrothead3282** » December 7, 2008 8:24 pm

HOLY S#!T

That's a lot to take in in just 48 hours!

Congrats!

I am so sorry for your loss!

mommar · Post by **mommar** » December 7, 2008 8:25 pm

Tears of joys streaming down my face GP........So sorry for the loss of your dad, and phinpower to your mom.

How wonderful of Mr. Taylor, and how Phantastic of Mr. Buffett, that was certainly a Buffetty thing for him to do

What a he l l of a guy.

Yippee on your engagement.

phjrsaunt · Post by **phjrsaunt** » December 7, 2008 8:25 pm

Holy cow. So MUCH. What cool stuff to happen..I'm sorry about your loss...cancer is so horrible, I know. I'm sure you're setting a good example for your siblings. You hang in there.
Auntie

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » December 7, 2008 8:30 pm

First and foremost, I'm so sorry you lost your Dad, and loads of prayers headed to your Mom and your family.

Next, congratulations on your engagement!!!!!!!!! That's great!

And last: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and in this case his name is Jimmy Buffett. I'm so glad you've had such a cool experience. Just wonderful!

East Texas Parrothead · December 7, 2008 8:36 pm

Wow.

Sorry for your loss.

Happy for the friends you have to help you through.

Congratulations on your engagement ...

Treasure each moment .... and know that the world *is* full of good people trying to help each other out.

chippewa · Post by **chippewa** » December 7, 2008 8:37 pm

parrothead3282 wrote: HOLY S#!T

That's a lot to take in in just 48 hours!

Congrats!

I am so sorry for your loss!

That's what I was thinking! It was like reading a screenplay!

Condolences, Congratulations, and everything in between.

pbans · Post by **pbans** » December 7, 2008 8:43 pm

Aw, I am so sorry for your loss.
I lost my Dad right before the holidays, too......it makes it so hard.

I'm just so touched that Jimmy called you......and reaffirms that he's the nice guy I always imagined him to be!

Congrats on the engagement......as one soul leaves the world, two become joined....that's pretty awesome.

conched · Post by **conched** » December 7, 2008 9:04 pm

Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful story. I am so sorry about your father, but you are right, he'll always be by your side in spirit.

God bless you, your siblings, and your mom and give her strength to keep on keepin on.

Congrats on your engagement. What a memorable engagement. Love and Luck to you both.

WOW!!! Jimmy is so sweet and caring, and it makes me happy to know he did such a nice thing.

^^^^POWER for you and your family.

Post by **SMLCHNG** » December 7, 2008 9:08 pm

I don't know which I'm crying more about. Your dad's passing and the sadness to you, Mom, and your family or the utter joy of your engagement, talking to Jimmy, or playing with Fingers.

This is what being a Parrothead is all about. Friends, family, good music, and doing good for good people.

Big hugs to you, (((AJ))), and thanks for sharing your wonderful, albeit also sad, story with us.

PackPhanGirl · Post by **PackPhanGirl** » December 7, 2008 9:35 pm

You story brought tears to my eyes too! I am so sorry for your loss, yet so happy for the joy you have found afterwards. Phin power to your mother....that is one heck of a story!!

nutmeg · Post by **nutmeg** » December 7, 2008 9:43 pm

Dear heavens!

So much phin power to you and your mom and also to your brothers and sisters.

It was great of your parrothead club, Fingers and Jimmy to provide support to all of you.

Congratulations on the engagement...

fabduo · Post by **fabduo** » December 7, 2008 9:50 pm

Damn -now I really need to go buy more tissues -I have to stop reading everything here!!
Condolences & Congrats and please pass the tissues

ph4ever · Post by **ph4ever** » December 7, 2008 10:02 pm

(((((AJ))))) I'm sorry to hear of your father yet at the same time I'm overjoyed at the support you received from your club, friends, Jimmy and Fingers. Really awesome!

dean_siu · Post by **dean_siu** » December 7, 2008 10:18 pm

As someone who lost my brother to cancer just a few years ago, I know how tough this experience can be. Glad to hear that the club still went ahead with the party though as those who unfortunately pass would still want us to continue living life to the fullest (and the medical bills still continue as well).

The fact that you chose this occasion to get engaged is wonderful and I wish both of you the best of luck in your life ahead.

Lastly, I can't believe that Jimmy actually called you. The fact that he took time out of day to call a phan he's never met is incredible. I'm sure this wasn't a phun phone call for him due to the situation...but the fact that he took the time to do so makes me prouder than ever to be a parrothead.

Glorfindel7 · Post by **Glorfindel7** » December 7, 2008 10:29 pm

Sorry for your loss AJ, Phin power for your mom. That was an amazing couple of days for you....

carolinagirl · Post by **carolinagirl** » December 7, 2008 10:47 pm

dean_siu wrote:As someone who lost my brother to cancer just a few years ago, I know how tough this experience can be. Glad to hear that the club still went ahead with the party though as those who unfortunately pass would still want us to continue living life to the fullest (and the medical bills still continue as well).

The fact that you chose this occasion to get engaged is wonderful and I wish both of you the best of luck in your life ahead.

Lastly, I can't believe that Jimmy actually called you. The fact that he took time out of day to call a phan he's never met is incredible. I'm sure this wasn't a phun phone call for him due to the situation...but the fact that he took the time to do so makes me prouder than ever to be a parrothead.

Wow!!! Very well said, dean.

AJ, So sad, so happy, so awesome. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, wonderful story.