Dear Friends+Family,
Last Sun evening, October 28 th, 2007, I attended a show at The Borgata
Casino where my childhood idol performed.... It was more than 40 years ago,
when I lived at St Edmond's Home for Crippled Children, that we listened to
WFIL radio station and musicians like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles would be
heard playing with their bands.....They both became an inspiration to us children
in the music therapy program back in 1972...Our motto became, "Look what we
can do despite our disabilities." Stevie Wonder became our role model when we
performed many musicals, especially in variety shows during the annual Spring
Fairs and holiday shows.... I could only dream of becoming a star.... I remember
writing a letter to Stevie only to receive an autographed picture... The nuns
and staff took that picture away from me and said that it would be kept in a
'safe place.' IT WAS STOLEN!!!'
Stevie Wonder has many Grammy Award alblums and numerous
accomplishments through the years...About a week ago, I was able to get one ticket
through a friend who owns a restaurant and our box office manager... My dream came
true last Sun evening when Stevie performed at The Borgata! All the memories
came flooding back, along with tears, of days at St Edmond's and of all the
hard practicing we did for shows.... During this show, Stevie's producers
approached me to ask my name and for me to stay immediately after the 2 and 1/2 hour
show...I thought something was wrong... Then they said that Stevie Wonder
wants to meet you.... At almost midnight, Stevie Wonder came into the backstage
area where 20 people were assembled.... I had the honor of being first in line
to great him... I said, "My name is Ronnie Brooks and I am also a singer like
you. I grew up in an orphanage for Handicapped children....Thank you for
giving us the inspiration to overcome our challenges and to perform in many shows
through the years. I also continue to perform with many local bands in the
tri-state area." The entire room cheered while many had tears in their eyes along
with Stevie... At that point, Stevie Wonder then asked me to sing for
everyone.. I responded by inviting him to sing 'Amazing Grace' along with me for 2
verses...Again the audience response was overwhelming.. This moment will be
forever frozen in time.... God smiled on many people that night while it also
appears that angels (dearly departed friends and family) had interceeded on my
behalf.....
Every one of YOU are the "Sunshine in my Life..." Thank you for
always believing in me...I WILL continue to strive to make this dream come
true...Someday, I hope to accept a Grammy Award... May God Bless You Always...
Love+Peace,
Ron
Brooks
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