You may think this statement is hyperbole. I’ll let you decide…
During the last twelve years of her life, my grandma attended at least 16 Daniel O’Donnell concerts: a few in our hometown but most in various locations across Canada and the U.S.. In 2012, she even went on a Daniel O’Donnell cruise in the Caribbean where he performed many times and interacted with passengers. Grandma documented her Daniel O’Donnell encounters in a scrapbook with photos, ticket stubs, newspaper clippings, and notes. Among my favourites is this picture and her note from his June 5, 2005 concert in Vancouver: “I took a chance to go up to the stage to give him this teddy bear and when he saw me, he ran across the stage to meet me. Of course, he gave me a kiss.”
What do you think? Was she a groupie?
You may be wondering why I’m telling you this on a blog for educators. Fair question. What you may not know about this Irish singer is the connection he makes with his fans. After every show, he takes a photo and talks to all those who wait in line to meet him. According to Grandma’s notes, there were often hundreds of people in line. He greets every one.
The last concert she attended was in May of 2014 in Saskatoon. Two years later, I was sitting with her in palliative care, knowing she didn’t have long to live. She continued to talk about this kind Donegal man while we listened to his music. That day I decided to contact his management and ask if he would be willing to call or send her a message. I knew it was a long shot. And yet, within days, he called her. I will never forget her call to me afterwards. A few weeks later, Grandma died at the age of 94.
As much as Grandma loved Daniel O’Donnell’s music, I believe she went to concert after concert because of the connections he makes with his fans. He certainly made her feel special and significant. She was convinced that he recognized and remembered her from year to year, and you know, perhaps he did.
Soon, we as educators, will begin a new school year. Students will walk into our classrooms trepidatious and excited. The connections we make in the first few weeks will set the tone that carries us through the year. The interactions we have with each student, especially those little in-between moments, may be more meaningful than we might imagine. As you begin the year, take inspiration from Daniel O’Donnell and my dear grandma. Relationships matter.