Generations alike

Even though I've been writing columns for more than a decade, it's still never really clear what topics and names, other than an obvious mistake, connect with readers enough to warrant letters and feedback.

A number of readers were kind enough to write or call me last month after I wrote a couple columns and a cover story spread about entertainer Engelbert Humperdinck.

It's definite that this is a man with man fans.

But of all the correspondence I received, I thought the letter I'm including in today's column written by Barbara Pearson of St. John deserved to be shared, especially, considering its message and the fact that my Tuesday offBeat entertainment column happens to appear in the INK young readers section.

Philip,

I thoroughly enjoyed today's column regarding Engelbert Humperdinck's concert.

It brought back some of my favorite memories I share with my now 21-year-old daughter Jessica.

Approximately eight years ago, my daughter was going through what my husband referred to as a 'hormone hootenanny.'

Anyone with an adolescent daughter or son knows exactly what that is.

And it's not pretty.

My husband won tickets to a concert at the Star Plaza Theatre featuring Engelbert Humperdinck and he had no interest or intention of using them. I couldn't stand to see them go to waste, especially since I had fond memories of my beloved late father singing Humperdinck's 'After the Lovin' song to my mother on an almost daily basis.

I cajoled, begged, and bribed our surly 13-year-old daughter to go with me.

As we sat waiting for the concert to begin, I did my best to ignore the -- eye-rolling, sighing, squirming in the seat, mumbling under the breath -- antics of my daughter.

The very minute Engelbert took the stage, there was an almost spiritual transformation in Jess' attitude.

When that oh-so-very talented man came out dancing and kicked his leg up over his head, she was hooked.

So was everyone else in that theater.

The next few hours were magical. For a brief time, at least, we actually AGREED on something: the charisma and musical talent of Engelbert Humperdinck.

I am most happy to report that Jess eventually grew out of her 'condition' and is now one of the most charming, beautiful, intelligent, and gifted young women I have ever known. I do so hope that when she has a daughter who hits that most terrible of stages in a young girl's life, she is able to find a brief pocket of time when they can share a wonderful experience before returning to the battlefield.

Thanks for helping me relive that special evening!

Barb Pearson

St. John

Thank you so much Barbara for taking the time to write and allowing me to share your experience with other readers. You've reminded us of an important message that we can all learn from, stressing patience and giving others a chance before we make judgements. Have a great week!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

Actor Tony Curtis is 83. Author/Screenwriter Larry McMurtry ("Terms of Endearment") is 72. Game show host Chuck Barris ("The Gong Show") and singer Ian Hunter are 69. Actor Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell on "Leave it to Beaver") is 65. Singer Eddie Holman and actor Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio on "General Hospital") are 62. Bassist Too Slim of Riders in the Sky is 60. Singer Suzi Quatro is 58. Gary born singer Deniece Williams ("Let's Hear it for the Boy") is 57. Keyboardist Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 56. Singer Dan Hill is 54. Actor Scott Valentine ("Family Ties") is 50. Guitarist Kerry King of Slayer is 44. Baseball player and announcer Steve "Psycho" Lyons is 48. Newsman Anderson Cooper is 41. Country singer Jamie O'Neal is 40. Singers Ariel and Gabriel Hernandez of No Mercy are 37. Actress Lalaine Dupree ("Lizzie McGuire") is 21.