By Kathy Uek / News Staff Writer
Monday, February 28, 2005
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NATICK -- When Gary Rosen, a pioneer writer and singer of children's songs, performed at The Center for Arts in Natick yesterday, he felt the energy of the packed crowd wrapping its arms around him.

"They were embracing me with positive energy and love," said Rosen, who will be 58 next month.

Rosen, diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS, seven months ago, sang, among others, his signature song of late, "The Best That I Can." In the song about children with disabilities, Rosen rewrote the third verse and made it personal.

Lela, 17 and Penn, 15, accompanied their father in song: "We've got a dad who's special to know. Although he's been sick, he's still doing his show. We say, don't you feel sad that you've got to slow down?"

Rosen joins in: "Oh no, not when I've got love all around. Don't feel sorry for me. I may be sick, but I can see. I'm gonna be the best that I can. Yes I am, yes I am."

The song is the theme song for the Special Olympics and Easter Seals.

"It's a mantra," said Rosen, formerly of the duo Rosenshontz. "Be the best you can. You can wallow in self-pity. I played guitar for more than 40 years. Now I can't play -- but I found a way to continue."

Adults and children gathered for Rosen's performance at the former firehouse downtown. Perhaps the children missed Rosen slowly moving his walker on stage aided by his family, or missed him struggling as he sat behind the microphone.

Whether they never heard of the award-winning singer or followed him from the Boston Common to the Kennedy Center to the White House, once Rosen began to sing, he magically made adults and children laugh, and he inspired them.

"I had a tear in my eye," said Cesar Landin, a native of Mexico, who currently lives in Newton and attends graduate school at MIT.

Landin enjoyed the performance with his children, Cesar, 9, Alice, 6, and Diego, 2. "I wish I would have that (love and support) if I ever needed it."

Bart and Susan Adler brought their grandchildren, Emma, 6, and Abby, 3, to the performance.

"My kids were brought up on his songs," said Susan Adler of Natick. "It was nostalgic. But his attitude was amazing that he could perform in spite of his illness."

Rosen's illness -- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive degenerative neurological disorder -- did not affect his energy.

"Just my legs and arms are weak, and I can't walk very well," Rosen said after the performance. "It hasn't affected my speaking voice. This is what I love doing. Why not do it if I can? It brings so much enjoyment and pleasure. The songs are just like a classic. They appeal to people for a long period of time on different levels."

The Rosen family continued singing. Son, Penn, dressed in a black leather jacket, played Bobo, a very intelligent dog, complete with floppy ears.

Rosen's contagious smile filled the audience with hugs and love as his family continued with a round of songs about teddy bears.

Meanwhile, other children, under the direction of Carol Schneider-Sereda of the Children's Dance Theatre, acted out and danced to Rosen's songs.

Five-year-old Rachel Claussen of Natick performed on stage, while her grandfather Milton Rothstein lifted up Rachel's angel teddy bear when instructed by Rosen.

Joining Milton Rothstein were his wife, Beverly, from Worcester; Rachel's aunt Nancy Rothstein of Watertown; and Rachel's dad, Don Claussen of Natick. Her mom, Joanne, helped the children onstage.

Ten-month-old Caroline Cowley bounced on the lap of her father, Steve, in time to the music. Her brother Benjamin sat beside her.

Nikolya Sereda, 7, of Natick loved "Hippopotamus Rock" the best. "It was very funny, especially when everyone kissed his (Rosen's) poster." She was at the performance with her mother, who directed the dancers, her father, Mark, and her sister, Anastasia, 9.

"I think he's very courageous," said Anastasia Sereda. "When I'm sick, I want to stay on the couch, but he gets out and sings to a big crowd."

For the Rosens, it's a family affair. "I'm happy we can still do this as a family," said Mary Rosen. "This is our life, performing as a family, and it's nice family time. We have met so many wonderful people."

Their daughter, Eliza, 13, who leans toward acting, dressed up as Winnie the Pooh for the final performance. "I'm not the most musical one," said Eliza Rosen, who provides comic relief for the family. "It's pretty cool what we do. Some people go on family trips. We do this."

For Penn, music is pretty big. He sings in a chorus, is in the band and has an a cappella group and made a CD.

"I'm all for it to help out my dad," said Penn. "He's inspiring. Generations of people listen to him grow up and bring their kids. It's cool. He's touched them and influenced them."

Lela, 17, heads to college in September.

"Music won't be my major, but it will play a huge part in my life," said Lela.

Rosen, who has a one- to four-year life expectancy, had this message: "Be the best with what you have. Enjoy your family and your friends every day. Be thankful for all you have been given. Easy to say but hard to live."