Jon Dorenbus AGT

Lilly LOVES to watch America's Got Talent. Warren can hang in there for most of it, too...and he likes to pretend he understands what everybody is doing. So, it's often a show we watch together. As a family. Another 1950's concept, eh?

We all know how much I like to do the "old school" things...

A family watching a television show TOGETHER used to be a big part of life.   Remember Gunsmoke?  My parents sat down with us every Friday night to watch the latest episode...Bonanza, The Ed Sullivan Show...well, you get the idea.

That is NOT HAPPENING in today's world. Every child has their own I-pad, with shows dumbed down to their age level, always focused, via constant product placement and marketing, to sell them the latest gadget or game. They have their own I-tunes accounts so they can download those fun new games and apps...

But, alas, I digress...

We watch every episode of AGT together. And, of course, we root for our favorites. Uncle Ross ALWAYS cheers for the magic acts. Grandpa liked Jon Dorenbus because he played football for the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Last Spring, there was a charity event at the convention center, featuring Jon Dorenbus from America's Got Talent!! (He came in Third.) This was double exciting, because my great-nephew, Cale, was in a competition to be THE OPENING ACT..!!

Well, I could hardly wait to GO SEE THIS FABULOUS LIVE SHOW. I bought three tickets. I figured it would be me, Lilly and Grandpa.

Ramping up to the event, there was a Facebook competition to see who would be the opening act...

 

CALE WON!! Which meant, of course, Ronda (his Grandmother, my sister) would also be attending the event. We were so proud..!!

It's a very big stage -- with hundreds of seats.  The biggest audience Cale has ever played for...

He didn't even seem nervous. AND HE DID GREAT..!!

Then, they introduced the headliner.  JON DORENBUS..!!  His close-up magic was put on the big screen. IT IS AMAZING...

After the show, Jon came out to sign autographs and visit with people.  He acted like he had all the time in the world.. I asked my niece, Amy (Cale's Mom) to take a picture of me and him. This is pitiful...

And this one ain't much better. But you get the idea!! We actually had a nice chat.

Jon's magic is excellent, but his story is the compelling thing. When he was 12 years old, his father killed his mother. Before that happened, he was a regular kid living a middle-class life in a Seattle suburb...and then -- boom -- it all exploded. His father was convicted of the murder, and Jon was adopted by an Aunt and Uncle. He took refuge in magic, practicing for hours and hours...

During his show, Jon shares that story -- even showing news coverage of his mother's murder. And he talked about how he persevered in life...he is a man of average-to-small build, and a career in the NFL seemed unlikely.  He shares his adult perspective on how his mother's murder affected him...and he has forgiven his father, even though they have no contact and no relationship.  He delivers a very sincere message -- about forgiveness...and focus...and making the most of your life, no matter what...being the best person you can be...

It was a GREAT, GREAT NIGHT...

I am only sorry that neither my husband John nor Lilly was able to attend.  They were both sick at the time.  But Ross went with me...and when we got there, we ran into both my sisters Ronda and Deena.  So it was a great family outing!!