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The Surprising Insights on Aging That Hit You at a Billy Joel Concert
Last summer, I eagerly anticipated a concert at Fenway Park in Boston, where I would finally get to see Billy Joel live—a dream I’d harbored for years. After successfully completing breast cancer treatment in the spring of 2014, attending this concert was at the top of my bucket list. I thought it would be nothing short of exhilarating.
But as the concert unfolded, something unexpected stirred within me. Music has a magical way of transporting us back in time, and that night, Billy’s voice echoed through the crowd, whisking me back to my childhood. I remembered my Pepto-pink bedroom and my mom, who passed away almost 13 years ago, belting out “Just the Way You Are.” It was a bittersweet reminder of a time and family that felt so distant.
What struck me most, though, was Billy himself. The video screens showcased images of his younger self—wavy dark hair and bright eyes—while the man on stage had a bald head and a gray goatee. It hit me hard: when did Billy get so old? And more importantly, when did I?
Growing up in New York during the ’70s and ’80s, Billy’s music was the soundtrack of my life. By the time I was ten, I could sing along to “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.” In my teenage years, I would listen to “Vienna” over and over again, yearning for something I didn’t fully understand. I wanted to embrace life quickly, searching for my own version of “Vienna.”
Aging feels like speeding down the highway only to slam on the brakes when a song or a scent jolts you back to reality: YOU ARE HERE. Today, at 46, I’m a mother of two, and while I’m grateful to be alive, these sudden reminders of time passing seem to happen more often now.
Time is an enigma. When I try to articulate it, all I find are clichés: “In the blink of an eye.” “Time flies.” “Time keeps on slipping into the future.” It’s easier to dive into the emotional stirrings these moments create, a kind of ache I finally identified as nostalgia. I’ve noticed it not just at concerts, but driving past my college campus, Boston University, or visiting an old workplace. It’s jarring to realize the distance—both literal and figurative—between who I was and who I am now.
The term nostalgia has a fascinating history. Coined by Johannes Hofer, it originally described a longing for home. Over time, it evolved to represent a wistful yearning for the past, something we all experience at unexpected moments. Like at the Billy Joel concert, these feelings can be overwhelming, but they often remind me of the joy in sharing my past with my kids—teaching them my favorite songs or reliving classic shows from my childhood.
While I’d love to revisit my Pepto-pink room and see my mother again, I don’t wish to return to the insecurities of my youth. At 46, I feel more secure in who I am and what I want. Maybe this realization is my own “Vienna,” right here.
For more insights on navigating the journey of parenthood, check out our blog post on home insemination kits. If you’re curious about fertility topics, Make a Mom is a great resource, as is News Medical for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Attending a Billy Joel concert can evoke unexpected reflections on aging and nostalgia. As familiar tunes transport us back in time, we may confront the reality of our own lives and the passage of time. Embracing these moments can help us appreciate our present selves, creating a sense of connection with both our past and our families.