LLB Touches My Heart

[Gisele L. Smith]

Hi Everyone -
I'd like to share my LLB story with all of you. About a year and a half ago my husband became very sick. His health was in constant jeopardy. Anyway, I turned 50 that year and on the kitchen counter, for my birthday, was a birthday card and lottery tickets. Now even though he was very sick, I got so mad!! Stupid lottery tickets for my 50th birthday!!?? I actually then became extremely mad at MYSELF for being mad given that he was so very sick. I couldn't stand myself. Anyway, I go to leave for work that day and what I always do is start my car and turn on my radio. Well, when I went to turn on my radio there was a brand new CD player there and he had it cued to play More Than Love. My heart just broke. Of course, I listened to the song then went inside. He was lying in bed and I said to him.."Dude, in the 33 years we've been together, you've never done a romantic thing in your life....but this? Well, you're covered forever now."

Sadly, my husband lost his fight on July 20th, 2008. I've loved LLB for several years but that song has a very special place in my heart as does LLB. I actually have "Los Lonely Boys" tattooed on my right forearm. Just wanted to share with everyone how very special this band is to me. I've seen them 5 times and will continue to do so whenever they're on the east coast. Thanks!

[Belle]

Okay - I'm in tears. Man, what you've been through. I know LLB has touched a lot of people in ways we'll never know. They certainly helped me stay alive.

Thank you for sharing your story! And welcome to the familia. You're officially a Loopie now. :D

Belle

[senoRita]

Thank you for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you. Los Lonely Boys have touched us all in some way or another. I'm so sorry for your loss and hope that you have found the strenght to carry on. How far is heaven?

[lovemusic]

Giselle, welcome to the FF. Thank you for sharing that incredible story with us. I am sorry to hear that your husband lost his fight. He sounds like a wonderful man. Please join us here often. We would love to hear more from you.

Where on the East Coast are you? I am just north of Boston but travel up and down the East coast to go to concerts. I would love to meet you next time.

[velvetsky0222]

Gisele, my deepest sympathy for your loss. BUT what a wonderful story of how your husband expressed his love for you even when he wasn't feeling his best. Welcome to the forum ... once you begin to know us, you will see that we are a family. Big hugs going across the miles from Texas.

[letsgetlonelyin]

Gisele What a great experience, it brought tears to my eyes and rolling down my face. It is so wonderful to be loved by someone so dearly, and LLB understands that and puts it to music!

Welcome to Crossroads please come often.

I also live in the east coast just north of Boston and travel up and down the east coast to see our favorite bands of brothers LLB
Hope to share a show with you.

[Malieleni]

What a moving personal story and a tribute to the spirit of Los Lonely Boys and the music that touches our hearts in so many ways. So very sorry for the loss of your husband. Thank you so much for sharing your sweet story...
And welcome :)

~Mariellen

[RosieJeanne]

Welcome Gisele. I am glad you finally decided to post here! I, too am sorry for your loss. My husband also has his moments, and is not romantic either, but I wouldn't trade him for anything. Thanks for posting your heartwarming story. You were lucky to have had him. I also live in Western Mass like Amy & Bela, and we do travel together to the shows. I would love to meet you one of these days if the boys come our way. Let us know where you are from. We are all bound together by the love of the boys' music and spirits, and we all have made wonderful friendships here. Come back and post often! Rosie

[cmedina]

Gisele, welcome and thank you for sharing your heart felt story. Sorry for your loss. What an incredible gift to be given that you will cherish forever.
LLB is truly an amazing group of brothers who touch the lives of all that listen to their music, in some shape or form.

I hope you will visit often and join this wONDAful family here on the forum.
I'm in Central Florida, are you North or South East?

[RosieJeanne]

Gisele, Can you post a pic of your LLB tattoo? If not, what does it look like? I have one also on my leg....

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e215/jbousq1017/smaller.jpg

[Amor]

OK, I too have to wipe the tears. Reading your story brought back my feelings when I was losing my Dad 2 years ago...and how listening to The Boys each and every day comforted me thru the highs and lows...more lows. You have experienced what many of us have already; and will continue to cherish The Boys and their music. I know if we all told our stories, it would be a tear-jerker novel.

Welcome to the forum...and I also am sorry for your loss.

[VermontFan1]

I'd also like to say "WELCOME" to you, Gisele. Your story is sad and beautiful at the same time. And, so happy that The Boy's music brings you such comfort when you need it. As my OndaSisters, Bela, Rosie, and Amy said, this is a wonderful family here on the Forum and you'll find lots of support whenever you need it.

May this bring all of us together soon.

OndaHugs, Nan in VT

[cherienjim]

Gisele, that was such a beautiful memory you shared with us, thank you, and I hope you are doing ok. It's a shame that your husband lost his battle, but, only the Good Lord takes the good ones, right? cherienjim

[mmmbopnmommy]

Gisele, Can you post a pic of your LLB tattoo? If not, what does it look like? I have one also on my leg....

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e215/jbousq1017/smaller.jpg

LOVE this tat Rosie!! I do!!! lol....

Gisele, welcome. You will find that many people here have stories that LLB has brightened/changed/ gave back to lives. There is something about their music that brings out the Best in people....even the hubby's who don't think it's in them!...
What a loving memory you have.....it's a keeper for Sure!

Welcome.......when the new year tour gets going, we'll have to get together - like Amy, Bela & Rosie mentioned - I'm in Vermont (there are 2 of us Loopies up here!) & us NewEnglanders love to travel to the shows! LOL

Hang in there....:)

[cotatigirl2]

SO happy to know I'm not the only one touched by this magical music. I have tickets to see LLB at the Fillmore in Feb....I am so excited, but at the same time it will be a trip for me. You see, I was a regular at the Fillmore Auditorium and the Avalon Ballroom back in 1969! I haven't been there in (yikes!) 40 years or so. I married a musician, had a family, now have grandkids, and when I heard this music for the first time (saw the Cottonfields and Crossroads movie on PBS) I was blown away. Next day, I went to the local record store and bought their latest CD, put it in the player in my truck, turned around and returned it. NOT what I heard in the movie! Swapped it for the Live CD, MUCH more like it! I've been playing it ever since...I'm fighting carcinoid cancer of the lung now, but I'm doing well, and waiting for February. LOVE YOU, LLB! Stay safe!!!

[Belle]

cotatigirl2- hi! I see this is your first post. Welcome to the LLB forum and la familia. As you said, you're not alone with how the Boys and their music have touched so many lives.

Hope you come back and post often.

Belle :)

[cotatigirl2]

Thanks for the welcome! I think I will be coming here pretty often, especially as it gets closer to February. I've been looking at pics of LLB and I swear, I think I'd FAINT if Henry got close enough to take a picture with me! These guys are enough to make an old lady feel like a groupie again! Hahahaha...I'm just kind of afraid I might cry when they play certain songs....

[mamacitaRuth]

Thanks for the welcome! I think I will be coming here pretty often, especially as it gets closer to February. I've been looking at pics of LLB and I swear, I think I'd FAINT if Henry got close enough to take a picture with me! These guys are enough to make an old lady feel like a groupie again! Hahahaha...I'm just kind of afraid I might cry when they play certain songs....

Don't worry about it (tears)! They have that effect on all of us, and they LOVE that....:) Extending my welcome to you, too! You sound like you and I might be about the same age, or from the same era, at least. The Boys are so genuine and warm, you would be amazed at how special they make you feel -- and yes, I still get tongue-tied when H approaches, haha, but I'm working on it! (think it's the glasses, lol) God bless you, and I hope your health continues to improve....

[RosieJeanne]

I always have a bunch of things I want to talk to Henry about, then when I get near him, I totally forget all the things I wanted to say! I don't know why this happens. I am getting better at it, though. Last time I saw him in Maine, I actually had a conversation with him about our Cutlass'. ( We both have Olds 442's and love them) So it does get better. But it is like you are in a movie or something...LOL!! Funny, I don't have that trouble with Jojo.

[cotatigirl2]

I am SO looking forward to seeing the Boys for the first time. I've met a bunch of musicians in my time, but only a few touch my soul in that special way that makes your mind go blank/knees go weak/face go red (or white as a sheet)/toes tingle/heart pound, etc. etc. Another artist that totally gets to me every time is Taj Mahal. If you ever get the chance to see him solo or maybe with one or two other musicians, GO. My problem with him is the tears...invariably during the last song I start crying my eyes out because I just get so sad that it's going to be over! He's another one I don't think I could handle meeting face-to-face. As for why it doesn't happen with JoJo...don't you just kind of want to hug him? He is so cute...but man, what a virtuoso bass player. I just LOVE the way he lays the funk right on down. And the synthesis with Ringo...well, heaven (snark). I swear, I haven't been this obsessed with a group for years!

[cotatigirl2]

You sound like you and I might be about the same age, or from the same era, at least.
Hey, Mamacita Ruth, thanks for welcoming me here and for your good wishes about my health. Yes, I afraid I might be totally overwhelmed when I see the Boys...what with being inside the Fillmore again ( the site of many, many memories...good AND bad... :)) and then the emotional nature of LLB music on top of it. Betcha I will be weepy. Where are you located? Did you ever go to the Fillmore or the Avalon? I just live about 50 miles north of S.F., so I was a regular during the Summer of Love... ;-)

[RosieJeanne]

As for why it doesn't happen with JoJo...don't you just kind of want to hug him? He is so cute...

Actually, Jojo is the most approachable. everytime we see him, he has his arms straight out ready for a big hug, saying "What's goin on baby girl!!" I think he really loves his fans. And we love him, just as much, too. I can't wait for you to go to the show! You make sure you report back, cuz I'm here in New England area, and I can't go. But you never know, when the withdrawls hit, you never know, it's pretty easy to just book a flight!! LOL!!

[mamacitaRuth]

Hey, Mamacita Ruth, thanks for welcoming me here and for your good wishes about my health. Yes, I afraid I might be totally overwhelmed when I see the Boys...what with being inside the Fillmore again ( the site of many, many memories...good AND bad... :)) and then the emotional nature of LLB music on top of it. Betcha I will be weepy. Where are you located? Did you ever go to the Fillmore or the Avalon? I just live about 50 miles north of S.F., so I was a regular during the Summer of Love... ;-)

Unfortunately, right smack in the middle of the Heartland....Nebraska, to be exact. No Fillmore memories, but plenty others!! I know you'll have a great time at the concert...

[velvetsky0222]

Welcome to Los Lonely Boys forum - Cotatigirl2. There is alot for new fans to see here on this website. Look around and watch some of the videos that are posted and read how other fans have been affected as well as show reviews. You'll see that we all share the enthusiasm. THere will be many of the Cali fans at The Fillmore show and don't be surprised of the number of fans that travel to catch a show. This show is acoustic but it will definately be special. Los Lonely Boys do appreciate and love their fans - and when possible will come out after the shows to sign autographs, take pictures and take time to listen to you. Can't wait to hear what you think. Best wishes... :cool:

[cotatigirl2]

This show is acoustic but it will definately be special. :cool

I was just wondering last night if this is the best show to see...I will really miss watching Ringo beat up on his drum kit, I think. But it seems they don't play that much out here on the left Coast, so I'd better grab this opportunity. I do hope I get to meet one or all of the Boys...and I hope we get good seats. I don't know how the seating will be for this show since it's acoustic, or if there will be dancing, or what...guess I will just have to wait and see...I'm the kind of person who likes to be right at the edge of the stage so I don't miss a moment of the special asides and things that happen onstage during a live show. I know you all know exactly what I mean!

[velvetsky0222]

Ringo will still play his drum kit. He tried using a stand up kit earlier this year and that didn't seem to work well.

You'll have to check out the tour schedule. West Coast and East Coast get a good number of dates thru the year.

[lovemusic]

Welcome, cotatigirl2. I am very glad you joined us. I know what you mean about the Boys. Their music just touches a special spot within the soul. I have seen them and had my picture taken with them many times but I still get tongue-tied. They are very down-to-earth and sweet; I just get shy. All the best with your health issues. At one point in 2008 the doctors told my husband I had a 15% chance of survival. I obviously made it. Keep fighting and enjoying the music. Nothing heals like music.

[RosieJeanne]

Yeah, Bela! Glad you're still here with us! Orale'!

[cotatigirl2]

It does me good to see that I'm not the only one obsessing about these Boys! And I DO believe that music heals. I just bought Forgiven last night at our local record store (they told me they are closing in 3-4 weeks, so sad...) and the guy in there told me that he was deep into the LLB groove about 6 months ago. Honestly, I really don't listen to anything else right now! I was kind of meditating on the song Forgiven earlier...so, so, sweet and appropriate for me right now as I prepare for a whole new round of testing and increased chemo for the next 2 months (markers are up again, **** it). They upped my dose from 30mg to 40mg of Octreotide...yechhh. Oh, well...I got a feeling we'll get it under control again...and on another note, I actually found two Zhu Zhu pets AND their habitat for my 7-year-old granddaughter's Christmas. There IS a Santa Claus! Thanks, girls, xxxxoooo!

[llbheaven]

Welcome Gisele and Cotatigirl2! I am formerly from the Bay area, now living in Maui. LLB is the best--just LOVE these guys. I love Maui, but wish I was able to see the boys more often. Maybe they'll come to the islands again--they were here in Sept of 2007. Gisele--you're in good hands with OBTS--La Onda by the Sea--they work very hard to promote the boys and I know they'll welcome you with open arms to any East coast shows that you attend.

Cotatigirl2--the Fillmore is standing room/general admission, so if you don't think you can stand all night call the box office and ask for handicapped seating--they have a bench along the right wall from the stage and assign you a "spot" (plus one for your companion if you're going with someone else). Not as good as being up front next to the stage, but some of us, me included, can't stand that long. Enjoy the show! And, did you know they are playing in Sparks, NV the next night? Not that far of a drive from the Bay area, and I know there will be some La Onda at that show too.

[cotatigirl2]

Cotatigirl2--the Fillmore is standing room/general admission, so if you don't think you can stand all night call the box office and ask for handicapped seating--
Rats! My tickets have seat numbers on them, I thought maybe they were setting up seats since it's an acoustic show. I wonder if I should bring my scooter, maybe they would make a space for me in front then...I don't want to be off to the side where I can't see, the first time I see them play in person! I guess I should call and see what the dealio is...Thanks for the heads up. I envy you Hawaii, we are freezing our tushies off here....:confused: