I’d like to introduce Richie Gerber on the fourth day of his “Jazz:America’s Gift” Blog Tour! Richie has been giving us a history lesson on Jazz’s beginnings. Now he will give us an up close and personal portrait of a dear friend that most of us know or have heard of – Dr. Wayne Dyer!
REFLECTIONS ON MY OLD PAL DR. WAYNE DYER
Although many of you know Dr. Wayne Dyer as an author/lecturer/and PBS fundraiser, Julie & I know him as a customer at the Bread of Life Natural Foods Market & Restaurant starting back in the early 1980s. Wayne was passionate about his tennis game and played regularly at the Tennis Club in Fort Lauderdale. After the games he and other tennis club regulars ended up at our store in their tennis garb, exhausted and sweaty. Carrot juices, tuna melts, soup accompanied by Julie’s famous Honey-Wheat Bread and her incredible Veggie Pie were devoured by the group of laughing and competitive guys. Yes, Wayne was very competitive about his tennis playing.
Wayne and I became friends over the years. He was a very humble man and we shared lots of laughs together. I will always remember when he came out with another new book he would tell me about it and ask if I would be kind enough to put a few on the counter. I always said yes and he would rush out to his car like an excited kid who is about to sell his first book. Then he came back in with a dozen books. “Shall I sign them?” he would ask. “But of course!!!” Then I always asked if he had a consignment invoice for me to sign and he would laugh and say something like, “Richie, are you kidding? If I can’t trust you and Julie then who can I trust.” Over the years we played this dance many times. He even bought his Birkenstock sandals from me. I used to joke that I was his “Sole Man.”
He was a guest on my radio show, “The Natural Grocer” back in the 90s. I pumped up his appearance in the preceding weeks as well as in our print advertising. All the phone lines lit up well before the start of the show. It remains one of our most popular shows. One day I will dig into the archives to find the tape.
I will always remember going to a major natural foods trade show where Dr. Wayne was slated to be the keynote speaker. Hundreds of natural foods store owners, manufacturers, reps, and anyone else related to the industry were in attendance in the main ballroom where he was going to speak. Wayne stepped onto the stage and started to prepare, water bottle-check, sound check-check. Then right before he was about to speak his eyes caught a glimpse of me and Julie. His voice rang out over the PA, “RICHIE & JULIE!!!” He jumped off the stage like that young kid and rushed to our table for hugs and kisses and the appropriate amount of, “How you doing?” All the eyes of the entire natural foods industry were on us before he returned to the stage. Julie & I felt like a million bucks.
Dr. Wayne Dyer, you have touched millions and millions of people. Julie & I are so proud to have made you carrot juices and tuna melts over the years. Your bill has been Paid in Full.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Contact info for Author, Richie Gerber:
Twitter: @jazzgift1
Website: www.jazzamericasgift.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JazzAmericasGift
Trailer: https://youtu.be/bGQHPGikcQ8
Purchase link:
Jazz: America’s Gift – www.amazon.com/dp/B0100RC8CK
Shirley Harris-Slaughter 
Richie, we hope that you’re enjoying you tour thus far! You are being hosted today by one great supporter of others, so you’re in good hands! Thanks to all who have stopped by to support Richie, you folks are great and Ms. Shirley, we do so appreciate you!
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I am having a blast! I appreciate Shirley’s support as well. Thanks to all!!!
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I love these little life moments that you are sharing with us. You have been blessed with some wondrful friends along your way. Shirley, thank you so much for hosting this stop.
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Blessed indeed Rhani! Thanks so much…
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What a sweet story! And now you’re an author, too. Life seems to come back around on itself somehow. Kind of like a song. 😉
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Who wooda thunk it. Thanks.
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What a lovely post, Richie! Such a touching tribute.
Shirley, thank you for sharing your blog with us today by hosting Richie!!
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Thanks so much!
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An interesting piece, Richie. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for hosting, Shirley!
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Thanks Beem!
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What a wonderful testament for a great and lasting friendship 🙂
Thanks for having us over Shirley 😉
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Appreciate it Jan!
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Informative and entertaining. Thanks Richie! Thanks for hosting Shirley🙂!
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Oh I just love the trailer don’t you?
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Sure do! It is a real winner thanks to 4Wills!
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I am pretty sure I know Dr. Dyer but just can’t place what he looks like. The name sounds too familiar, and if he was on PBS, well that’s my favorite channel. Seeing a photo, like hearing the music, would jar my memory. lol
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Beautiful tribute to your friend Dr. Wayne. Thanks, Shirley for hosting.
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Thanks John!
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🙂
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Shirley…thanks so much for hosting my blog today!!!
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Hello, your post was a nice tribute to your friend in his memory. Great to stop by Shirley’s blog and see what you are up to. Thanks.
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Thanks so much!
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Richard it is my pleasure to host you today. I hope you get a lot of miles out of it for your message.
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What a great tribute to a dear friend Richard. I am sure that wherever he is, he will be smiling with contentment. 🙂 By the way, good to know you, and congrats on your tour. Thank you Shirley for hosting him.
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Joy…thanks. I see you are a lover of music as well.
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Thank you, Richie, for sharing this story about Dr. Wayne Dyer. Though I never met him, I am one of the millions who loved him through his PBS programs and his multitude of books. Your vignette warms my heart…and returns me to his messages. What a lovely way to begin the day. Thank you.
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Thank you so much Gwen. Dr. Wayne was a VERY special guy. I am glad you liked the piece.
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