From: Big Dan: A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories

This is the 2nd of 3 entries from my book I am sharing over the next 3 months. I hope you enjoyed the Flower Shoppe Owner and the Dream Realized. My book can be purchased here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Dan-Collection-Poetry-Stories/dp/1304983153
Lulu.com: https://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-j-oneil/big-dan-a-collection-of-poetry-and-short-stories/paperback/product-m2demyp.html
I hope you enjoy.

Back in 2013, Of Monsters And Men, one of my nephew’s favorite bands and mine were playing at a free music event at the DCR Hatch Shell with two other acts. My nephew is autistic and legally blind, so I had reached out to the organizers to get accessible seating for him. They were happy to accommodate us for the event, so our plans were set.

We set off the day of the show to head into the city and the subway was busy, but we got to our destination, and then we had some terrible luck. The bridges leading to the venue had been closed by the Boston Police, citing overcrowding and safety issues. I tried explaining that the venue had special seating for him, but the officers simply would not allow us to cross. A few state police officers saw the interaction and felt awful about the situation but explained that simply too many people entered the area and if he ever got hurt in there, they would have a difficult time getting him out.

Well, we went home that night and while I understood, I was still very upset. I decided to let my voice be heard so I emailed the Police Commissioner, The Organizers and the Mayor’s office to share my frustration with the event and the challenges my nephew faces and trying to make him understand why we couldn’t go see the band. I didn’t hear a response too right away, but the one I got was a pleasant surprise. A member of the band’s management emailed me and let me know they were working on their new album and would be coming to tour in mid-2015 and offered us free tickets to the show.

I thought this was a very kind gesture, but I wasn’t sure if nearly two years down the road they would remember this. Still, the offer was very kind and despite the disappointment of that day I appreciated the fact that they would take the time to reach out.

2015 came around and the band released their album and announced their tour dates. I had planned to buy my nephew a ticket and take him anyways because I know he loves the band, and it would make up for us missing out last time. I found out when the on-sale date was and planned on simply buying tickets and then I happened to check my email and I saw that a familiar name had emailed me. It was the management member that had offered me the tickets. They gave me the option of the Orpheum Theatre in Boston or a venue in Providence.

I responded back that Boston would be terrific and thanked her and the band. She responded back thanking my nephew and me for being loyal fans and hoping we’d enjoy the show. My family and friends couldn’t believe that the band emailed me back and kept the promise made. Just amazing. We had a wonderful night and enjoyed our time with Of Monsters And Men. They have fans for life with us.