from Dear Abby: DEAR ABBY: I am 52 years old and have absolutely adored the Beatles ever since they came over in 1964. At the time, I was growing up in a home filled with domestic violence and alcoholism. When I heard their music, I felt I had a voice for the feelings I had to keep inside -- a safe voice through music. At the same time, I could sense that each of the men in the group was as sincere as their lyrics. To this day, I still listen to Beatles music and care about the surviving members.
I know I'm not alone, as thousands love them all over the world. Even today's teenagers are catching on. I've been to Liverpool twice and have felt the essence of their songs through seeing places where their lives began. Am I obsessed with the Beatles, or did they arrive at a time in my life when I needed to believe in something? -- VIRGINIA IN WARNER ROBINS, GA. DEAR VIRGINIA: I'd call you less obsessed than devoted, and with good cause. The Beatles arrived at a time in many people's lives when they needed to believe in something. Their music spoke for a generation and brought sunshine to people of every age when their days were cloudy and their hearts were heavy. It continues to do so today. Things are "getting better all the time"! ********************************************************************** This person actually thinks he has a PROBLEM? If this is your biggest problem you're in pretty good shape, I would say. Of all the sometimes life-threatening problems people write to Dear Abby about she decide to take up valuable newspaper space with THIS? Whatever. So he went to Liverpool twice. So what? I've heard of people much more obsessed than this with Elvis who are certain they don't have a problem. I think this guy's problem is that he thinks being a fan of a great band that wrote wonderful music at a time when he really needed to hear it is a problem. OK I'll get off my soapbox now.
