“I have notes in my bathroom, yellow notes, and I stick ’em on the mirror, things that happened that were uplifting boosters for me. Notes that say, “Today is special, make today count.” And then I have one note on the mirror in the middle that says, “Look at the other notes.” ― Burt Bacharach

My music-lover friend, Rob (https://forfriendswithoutborders.wordpress.com/2023/02/13/bacharach/) , suggested I write about the one time I met Burt Bacharach on a flight from NY to LA. I thought it was a good idea, so here it is:

I am not sure of the date when this happened, but I am guessing it is between 1985 and 1990. Those were the years that I was the nanny/housekeeper/cook/chauffer, etc for a Jewish family.

It is interesting that in all my jobs I end up doing it all. Right now, at my firm, I handle Finance, Compliance, Human Resources, Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payable, etc, etc.

“…it won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me.” – Burt Bacharach and Hal David

But I digress, I used to go with this family a few times a year to visit her family in Los Angeles. This particular time I had the little boy I used to care for, who was also a toddler, on my lap. I remember I was feeding him something. I do not recall what it was. I remember scrambled eggs at some point in the story.

Then there comes, walking up the aisle, this little blonde toddler followed by his father. He wanted whatever I was feeding my little boy, perhaps it was Cheerios. I remember giving him some, and he gladly accepted. I had no clue it was Burt Bacharach standing there with his son. My focus was on the 2 toddlers giggling at each other.

The woman that I was with, my boss, started talking to him immediately. That is not surprising, this woman will talk to anyone about anything. I remember getting in taxis with her, and by the end of the ride, we knew everything about the driver, his family, the town, his passengers, the price of gas, his dreams, etc. I always admired that about her, and I often do the same. If someone is receptive, that is. Nowadays everyone is too suspicious. My sister asked her cab driver a question the other day, and he surly said: Why do you want to know? Later he apologized.

“A synonym is a word you use when you can’t spell the word you first thought of.” ― Burt Bacharach

Anyway, getting back to the flight… as she continued to talk to the father I eventually became aware of who he was. At first she was talking about the boys, then she went on to say how she enjoyed all his music, and she asked about his wife, Carole Bayer Sager. That is when I realized who this man was. At the end of the flight, I believe we got to say hello to her.

The little toddler made multiple trips back to us. He seemed enamored of my little boy and his toys. At one point I think they brought his food to the back so that he ate while interacting with us. I think that is when the scrambled eggs made an appearance.

What I remember most about this experience was how down to earth he was. He was approachable and easy going. Just a regular doting father with his child. There was nothing about him that screamed “famous”.  There was nothing memorable about this encounter and it is still unforgettable.

I just Googled now and I believe that toddler was Christopher Bacharach, and I think the year was perhaps 1986. He was adopted as an infant by Burt and Carole.

In 1986 I was 20 years old, full of dreams.  Life flies by.  I am still a dreamer.

Rest in peace Mr. Bacharach, I know you will continue to make beautiful music anywhere you may land.

I am choosing to add the video for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head” because I grew up in love with that song.

 

https://www.instagram.com/blessedwithastar/ Take a look at the highlights labeled The Redeemer- amazing picture captured by photographer Fernando Braga on February 10th, 2023.  

Brazil is one of the leading countries in the world with the most lightning strikes.