I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again–the beauty of country music is that it hits an emotional chord. It’s the heartfelt lyrics paired with a whiny twang and rhythmic flow that makes this genre what it is. It hits home every time because it’s written from experience, so naturally that it stirs the soul.
Up and coming country heartthrob Jay Allen is onstage at the Dubuque County Fair in Iowa performing a couple of his songs. But it’s this particular song that’s got everyone in tears and overflowing with emotion.
Jay’s mom, Sherry Rich, only 53-years-old is in the late stages of early-onset Alzheimer’s. The Allen family took note years ago when Sherry was in her 40s, making sure she sought treatment and proper diagnosis. Her condition has rapidly gotten worse, and the family has been with her every step of the way.
“It feels like we’ve lost her. She’ll walk into a room, and she’s just blank like she isn’t even there. It’s crushing,” he said. “It’s almost like she’s a shell of our mom. It’s really hard, and it can be really frustrating. You feel helpless and angry like there’s no solution and nothing you can do.”
While Jay admits it hasn’t been easy, his love is unwavering. Music has helped tremendously too. At a concert in Nashville, with loud country music playing, he noticed his mom perk up and tap her foot to the beat. He asked to dance with her and noticed that her energy shifted–in a really good way, she was more present and more alive.
“I live for those moments. I hope and pray to see her again for another moment between the blank stares.” He calls this a “God moment, ” and felt inspired to write a song about it named “Blank Stares.” For Jay, writing this song has been an outlet for his struggles and pain, and a way to bring awareness to an incurable disease that affects millions.
In this video, Jay pulls his mom onstage at the Dubuque Fair to sing this song about her to her, holding her close. He sings his message of hope and love for anyone who suffers from this disease or is affected by a loved one going through it.
Click the video below to watch Jay perform one of the most emotional songs I’ve ever seen.
