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If you've heard a radio interview with Benny Mardones or read an article or best of all been to one of his concerts in the past 3 years, you've have probably heard him mention a little girl named Samantha. You've probably also heard him say how much she touched his life. Well, I, Samantha's mother, would like to tell you how he touched her life.
I have been a fan of Benny's since 1986. So Samantha grew up listening to "American Dreams," "Benny
Mardones" (Self Titled), and "Stand By Your Man."
In September of 1996, Samantha was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. She had six months to
live. Samantha and I were listening to 93Q when we heard that Benny was going to be performing at
the 93Q Christmas Eve Spectacular at the Spaghetti Warehouse. Samantha begged me to take her so she
could see Benny sing. How could I resist such a sweet girl?
We made arrangements with her nurse to go with us. We arrived at the Spaghetti Warehouse. It was raining. The line waiting to go in
was out the door and down to the street. I suggested to the nurse that they might allow us to bring
Samantha inside so that she wouldn't get wet. My sister was supposed to be in line waiting for us.
I went to look for her. As I looked for my sister, Benny's limo pulled up.
Benny and his entourage proceeded through the crowd into the restaurant. Benny's body guard tried
pushing the nurse and Samantha aside when Benny stopped him and said "No, the wheelchair goes first.
I can wait." He waited until the crowed moved aside and let Samantha and the nurse move to an open
area.
The nurse had told a restaurant staff member that Samantha was terminally ill and we had come to see
Benny sing.
We were then lead to a small room in the back of the restaurant. Our breakfast was free that morning.
All of a sudden the nurse asked me if I brought Benny's cd with me. I took it out of my purse and
turned around. Benny was kneeling next to Samantha. Benny signed the cd "To Benny's little Angel"
and on the cover he wrote "To Samantha, I'll be loving you forever. My little Angel. Benny
Mardones." He handed her the CD and said "This show is for you today Samantha."
A few minutes later, Samantha was ready to see Benny sing. They cleared a spot for us so that Samantha was right up in front and could see.
Right after he sang "Baby Tonight," Benny went into one of his famous speeches about life. He said.
. .
"Christmas is for families . . . and for everybody to come around . . . and gather around their family . . . and be at home . . . and being in Syracuse is as close to being at home as I could ever be in my life. . . and Christmas is for children . . .if you would allow me this favor . . . everyone . . . I would like to dedicate me and the Hurricans portion of this show to this sweet little girl, Samantha, who came here today to be with us . . . and so this Christmas . . . baby . . . from us . . . this Christmas is for you . . . Samantha."
He then sang "Sheila C." After his set was done, the band went off the stage. Ted and Amy from 93Q came on the stage and asked Benny to sing one more song. As he was waiting for the band to return, He asked Samantha if she was having fun. She shook her head yes.
When the crowd had disappeared, we brought Samantha out to the car. The nurse said "There's Benny near the limo." I said "Let's leave him alone. He has done more than enough for us today." The next thing I knew, Benny started walking over towards us. "Samantha, I can't believe I see you out here in the parking lot." He said. He gave her a big hug. I extended my hand to thank him. . . he hugged me too. I said to Him "I just wanted to thank you for what you did for Samantha Today." He looked in my eyes and said "It was my pleasure." Samantha was getting cold so we put her into the car and brought her home.
That night, 93Q replayed the Christmas Spectacular and I taped it so Samantha could hear her name being said on the radio. Little did I know that the BEST Christmas present of my life would come the next day.
Christmas morning, while the nurse was getting her bath ready, I sat with Samantha and told her that I had taped Benny and that we would listen to it after breakfast and our stockings. She could not wait. She wanted to hear it then. She didn't care about the stockings and presents. She wanted to hear Benny say her name. Here was this seven year old girl who knew what Christmas meant. Not the presents and toys but the gifts of time and attention that Benny had given to her the day before.
I played the tape for her. She listened in complete silence. When it was done, we sat there for a few moments. Samantha then said "That was very nice of him to do that. Wasn't it Mom?" "Yes, " I said, "It was." She paused for a moment. "That means I'm a star now doesn't it Mom?" "Yes, Honey. It does. " I said.
Due to the tumor pressing on her cranial nerves that stimulate the muscles in her face, Samantha had not been able to smile in three months. By a miracle stimulated by the care and love of Benny, Samantha managed a small smile from her lips and said "I love you Mom." That was truly the BEST Christmas present that I had ever received! I sat there trying not to cry. I just yelled "Samantha, your smiling . . . I love you!" "Merry Christmas Mom," She said. "Merry Christmas sweetheart." I said. For the rest of the day, Samantha made everyone listen to Benny say her name on the radio. That was the last time in her life that she smiled. It was because Benny had given her more than a toy from the toy store or a piece of clothing.
He gave her a moment in the spotlight. He gave of himself.
That's really what Christmas is about!
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