Lately, I have been thinking about Clay's music. Some wonder if he is serious about music. Does he care? Does he know the value of it, what it does for people?

I also was a bit worried because of the crowd reaction at some of the concerts during the ballads, especially ICMYLM in Valdosta. I was disheartened.

Two things have reassured me since last night.

One is the wonderful reports of ICMYLM from the last 2 concerts. It seems as if he still connects with the audience. Those who choose to chat or scream instead of listen...their loss.

The other is a thread in the Messages to Clay folder on the RCA board.

There is a grown woman living with Asperger's Syndrome who recently started posting there. This thread was her first post. If you are so inclined, amble on over there and read it.

She is going to a concert soon. Her first ever, and she is very nervous. But, for Clay, she is willing to do it. She has received wonderful support and encouragement from some of the memebers there.

I have rediscovered what Clay's music means to me.

It gives people hope. It gives them courage. It brings people together. I sometimes wonder if some of the things he hears about what his music has done for people sound so fantastic, that he has a hard time believing it. Perhaps he downplays his gift in order to keep himself from giving in to his own ego. We may never know. But, as long as he keeps making beautiful music that touches people's lives, I will support him 100%.