Dear Brave Soul,
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your brother. You are right in thinking that he is free from his earthly struggles. Take comfort in that. And in the music of Gordon Lightfoot. His voice is like a warm elixir that will soothe the aching heart and soul.
I have been a fan since the 70's, but had not the pleasure of meeting him til the spring of 2000. Although some people mistake is wiry appearance on stage to age and ill health, there is nothing unhealthy (present situation nothwithstanding) or old about him. Up close he is strong and vibrant with a twinkle in his eye and a quiet joy in his voice when talking to any fan. He is humble without being shy. He gives you the feeling that he is just as thrilled to meet you as you are him. You walk away thinking that you just spoken with an old friend. (And with the hope that he will tour again...I refuse to use past tense.
)
Through the kindness and generousity of friends, I have been in his company after 3 concerts now and cherish each one. I couldn't even begin to remember every detail of his conversations, but the jist of one was how the selections on his lastest greatest hits cd were chosen. He wished that his schedule had allowed him to be more available when it was compiled as he would have made some alternate selections. When I asked what in particular would he have changed, he answered that he would have to show me his list. (I almost asked if I could be "on it for tonight" LOL.) Just like I was some friend he ran into every day and tomorrow he would bring his list to show me. But he did say that "Restless" had been included at his request and I thanked him for that. At another concert he came out talking to the group of us about his two youngest children. I assume because he probably had just spoken to them on the phone to say goodnight. Commenting on how interesting it was to be parenting a 7 and 12 year old. I believe this concert was the first or second one out after his usual winter break. He talked about how he wasn't looking forward to the 12 year old son discovering girls and experiencing heartbreaks. I chimed in with "and writing songs about it". He gave me a knowing smile. He will talk about anything you want. From past concerts to other performers to his family (in a very generic way) to you and your family to world events.
After one of these concerts, I happened to have been lucky enough to book myself in the same hotel where he and crew were staying. I think that the image that will stay with me forever is the one when where as I was walking through the elongated lobby and he was coming the other way. Alone and so unassuming. Wearing his signature softly distressed leather jacket, a light wool scarf casually wrapped around his neck (presumably to protect his golden voice from the cool spring evening air) walking with the elegance of a painter passing through.
It is a lifetime thrill for any fan to meet Gord in person. When he gets back out on the road, do what you can to have this happen to you, Brave Soul. And welcome to the group, but I think you would be surprised at the range of ages here and not feel so senior!