We Take Care of our Own...a Mother's Day Tribute

What do you get Bea Slater, an 85-year-old 'rocker' who has lived in Springfield over 60 years, for her birthday and for Mother's Day? 

On November 4^th 1960 I was “Born to Run”. But without my mom Bea I would still be down by “The River” searching through the“Darkness on the Edge of Town”. So when the Wrecking Ball Tour was announced earlier this year I knew I had the perfect 85^th birthday and Mother’s Day gift for the woman that was there first to feed my “Hungry Heart” and “Cover Me” with self-confidence and love to journey down my own personal “Thunder Road” of life.    

I bought Mom a ticket to see Bruce.

My obsession with Springsteen goes back to my “Glory Days” in High School (Thank you Jamie Halper). The sleeping giant awoke in me in August 1978 when I saw the first of 250 shows at the Capital Center outside D.C. I was instantly hooked during “Badlands” and by the time “Rosalita” and “The Detroit Medley” came around I knew I found my alternate universe to live in. 

Nearly 35 years later Bruce remains my drug of choice.

Meeting him face to face in 2001 will be a memory I cherish forever. Today I usually go to the shows with my partner in crime (he who must not be named on Facebook) and we have our own rituals and show prep. But for the Newark Prudential show last week- it was all about Mom. This original “Jersey Girl” was going to finally see what her son has been crowing about for all these years- all it took was a little “Easy Money” and “Out in the Street” we went to the Prudential Center (or for one night only “The Land of Hope and Dreams”) And what a “Night” it was- My sister Diane and brother-in law Jerry and nephew Scott also joined in on the fun.

What does an 85 year old think of Bruce? Mom enjoyed every minute of the 3 Hour Classic Show.  And having seen 250 + shows, this night was “Magic” and filled with “Bishops Dancing” and “Saints in the City”. It even had a wonderful tribute that was well worth “The Weight”.  

I feel like I live in “Lucky Town” to still have my mom around and in perfect concert shape!  

My advice to those reading this blog: remember who was there every step of the way while you were “Growing Up”. Don’t be “Blinded by the Light” of all the noise out there. Go out today and remember that “She’s the One” who brought you into this “Promised Land” .  

Happy Mother’s Day Mom and to all the other Prisoners of Rock and Roll!

For more, visit MomentSlater blogspot.