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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Taylor Hicks Sings and Heals a Broken Soul

Several years ago, Taylor Hicks gave a small donation to Kid One Transport, an organization in Birmingham, AL. With this donation was the promise that in the future he would do more if able. When his musical dreams were realized, he certainly kept his promise and has currently helped to raise thousands of dollars for this and other charities.

Over the past several months, Taylor’s Angels have come to know others with this same caring and compassionate spirit of giving and have experienced the blessings bestowed upon those who give. When I was initially asked if I would like to help someone in need by purchasing a membership to the Taylor Hicks Headquarters, there was no way I could fathom the impact that this simple deed would have on my life…or “Jane’s”.

I did indeed purchase the membership for “Jane” and we exchanged the necessary correspondence to solidify the transaction. I thought that this would be the end of my interaction with her, but fate had other plans. In a hotel lobby about three weeks after our initial correspondence, I met someone who was also there to see Taylor’s performance in that city. When “Jane” told me her name, I realized it was the same person for whom I had purchased the membership. We hugged as if we had known each other for years. As we began to talk, “Jane” shared the importance of seeing Taylor in concert. You see, just a year earlier, she had been the victim of a violent act and as a result had incurred numerous emotional and physical scars. “Jane” shared with me how Taylor helped her recover the night he sang “You Are So Beautiful” on American Idol. It was, to her, as if Taylor were singing those lyrics for her ears only. She arose, looked at herself in the mirror and realized that she indeed was beautiful, having done nothing to deserve the trauma that had so devastated her. From that moment on, “Jane” slowly began to heal physically and emotionally.

As we talked more that day, it became very clear that “Jane” needed to tell her story to the man who had so dramatically helped in her healing process…and that Taylor Hicks also needed to hear her story. As fate would have it, “Jane” learned that afternoon by email she had received “the golden ticket”- a meet and greet with Taylor! In that moment “Jane” realized she would actually be able to personally thank him for all he had unknowingly done. I coached her all afternoon, held her trembling hand and watched as she walked through the door to meet the man who had convinced her she was once again beautiful. And I was there to watch her emerge from their meeting in tears… tears of joy and relief.

“Jane” emotionally relayed to me her encounter with Taylor. Once she reached the door to be escorted into the meeting room, she began trembling uncontrollably. Taylor saw this and gently told her there was no reason to be nervous and asked security to help escort her to the table where he was seated. Once she reached the table, Taylor took her hand and said, “It’s alright dear, what is your name?". The funny thing is at that moment she could not remember! She began telling him the reason she was so nervous and relayed her story of abuse and how, with one song, he changed her life. Taylor was visibly moved by her story and immediately told her she was indeed beautiful and not to allow anyone to make her feel differently. Taylor’s compassion did not stop there. He asked his handler to take two pictures of them together and told “Jane” the reason he suggested two photos. Taylor said the first picture was to remember where she was a few short months before in her life and in the second picture she was to smile brightly and remember where she was today and how far she had come. They posed for each picture, both flashing brilliant smiles. Then, Taylor autographed several items she had carried into the room and personalized each to her. As “Jane” was about to leave, she remembered the special gift she had purchased for Taylor. She presented him with a stuffed “dancing” Easter bunny. Taylor laughed, smiled and told her that he would keep it on his bus and remember her each time he and the other band members played with it. Jane thanked Taylor once again and left the room knowing in her heart there was indeed life after violence. She was living proof!

It amazes me how a simple act of kindness can change lives. When Taylor Hicks gave his “widow’s mite” to a charitable organization, he could not have known the ripple effects it would have years later. Whether through charitable giving or selfless devotion to fans, Taylor touches lives each and every day. Caring and compassion are attributes that we all want to see reflected throughout our society. Taylor Hicks is the embodiment of those special qualities. Just ask “Jane”.





Written by Tina (DidNotExpectThat)



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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story. The selfless acts of kindness that Taylor has shown to so many continue to inspire me. He is a very gracious and kind man.

Thank you for sharing this story with us!!

Teri

RagsQueen said...

Taylor is everything that says 'gentleman'! Taylor's caring nature just comes so naturally and is so refreshing to see in a young man. Talent, graciousness, humility, and a way with making everyone feel special. That's inate, not learned. And from someone who had know rejection to be able to uplife someone else is just a wonderful ability to have. Thanks for sharing the story!

marykry said...

A beautiful,inspiring story. Reading this brought tears to my eyes. This shows the true character of who Taylor is....a kind, caring and compassionate man who reaches out to others and comforts their soul. He has had to deal with many things along his life's journey, but he is always there for someone else offering comfort and kindness. He has a gentle and giving spirit about him.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

Anonymous said...

that was beautiful! thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This story of a special encounter brought tears to my eyes. It's very beautiful. Thanks for sharing it!!

Plushaye

Anonymous said...

I thank you for sharing this story...T hat day changed Janes life in so many ways..When the night becomes dark,,,or heart feels empty ,,she hears Taylor words over and over again,,,,and than she feels a warm hand helping her to re-group...An Angel surrounded her that ever so special day,,a day that she will forever cherish...I know I am Jane....
GOD BLESS YOU TAYLOR AND TO MY ANGEL WHO GAVE ME HOPE THAT DAY>..
SOUL PATROL suits Taylor's fans completely....They care about all of the SOULS ...HUG LOVE Thankfulness for that..For I AM A SURVIVOR

KarinP said...

Thank you for writing this story.

The "gift of hope" that Taylor gave to Jane through his music as well as the compassion he showed for Jane at the M&G is another example of how much "soul" this man really has.

His music has lifted others from the halls of darkness and I can only hope that he realizes how very special he is.

There are many "Janes" out there in this world. I happen to know one who was going through a similar situation at the same time. She was a broken soul who was consumed by despair.

When she came to me, I was already a huge fan of Taylor's. I took the time to "introduce" her to Taylor's music.

One night, we were watching Taylor's performance of Do I Make You Proud online. She looked at me, with tears in her eyes, and said that this song gave her hope. She said that Taylor's story gave her the strength to believe in dreams again. Taylor had achieved her dreams and he showed her that nothing is impossible.

My "Jane" had the opportunity to see Taylor in concert recently and it is something she will never forget.

Thank you, Taylor from the bottom of my heart. You have made a significant impact on so many lives.

Stephanie said...

Thank you so much for sharing this very touching experience. There are so many similar stories that have been shared about how Taylor's music has truly touched people in a way that helped them overcome in some way.

There really is so much more to Taylor than his music. He truly is a beautiful soul. It's not just the music but a Soul Thing.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing this story. I've had the feeling for a long time that God has big plans for Taylor. This story demonstrates how Taylor allows his compassionate side to rule his life.

Soul Patrol Pinoys said...

This is such a great story and it is worth hearing over and over again! Taylor has touched so many lives and he will continue to do so in the years to come. I am so proud to be one of his fans and supporter!

Unknown said...

This is such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this with us.
-- Leslie

Anonymous said...

This is such a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. Not just the story, but of yourselves as well. My hat is off to you ANGELS.

Beth