Tony Bennett’s Example
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
I was sorry to hear that Tony Bennett has been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for four years. After the initial shock, I was amazed by the courage Mr. Bennett and his family showed by publicly announcing his condition. Many celebrities in his position would pretend to retire and try to slide into anonymity. Not only has he remained relevant, but he also continues to do so even after his medical announcement.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga famously sang together over the years. She was so grateful that he affirmed her talent as a jazz singer. They continued to sing together even after his Alzheimer’s became more recognizable. Lady Gaga learned from medical support to keep her questions and statements short, providing him an easy, one-word response that wouldn’t get confused.
At first, the short-term memory was noticeable, which allowed Mr. Bennett to continue singing the songs he made his own over so many years. Recently, his long-term memory began faltering, making his performances harder to pull off; but rather than feel only sympathy for Mr. Bennett, people responded to him with awe and inspiration.
Here is a man who spent over four years not letting this horrendous diagnosis define or destroy him. He continued to do what he loved and did so with courage. Each of us is called to face life’s adversities with similar courage. When life’s pain hits you between the eyes, pray for God to give you the strength to enjoy whatever God leaves available to you. We may not get to sing with Lady Gaga, but we appreciate the relationships God continues to provide. Live each breath with hope and anticipation, until we will commune with God eternally, free from Alzheimer’s and all other disease and pain.
