The Grand Ol’ Opry

What can I say about this place that hasn’t already been said a hundred times.  Walking around backstage was surreal.  You could almost hear the voices of the country music greats who have walked the hallways, from the famous “Howdyyyy” of Miss Minnie Pearl, to the “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash”.  I was excited and nervous at the same time, I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time.  I kept thinking how much my Mom would have loved it.  The tour guide was great, a wealth of knowledge about the history and performers.  We walked through the studio where they filmed the latest episodes of Hee Haw, and then into area where the Grand Ol’ Opry members pick up their mail.  They each have a mailbox and pick up their own mail.  Down the hall where their names are on the wall, in the order of induction, to the dressing rooms.  I found myself staring into the rooms and imagining all the country music stars who have hung out there before going on stage. The waiting area where the performers along with their friends and family wait to go on stage still show the water line from the flood of 2010.  I had goosebumps as I stepped through the curtains to the side of the stage.  As I walked across the most famous stage in the world, to stand in the circle, where my favorites have stood I looked out at the empty seats and laughed out loud.  Pictures don’t capture the thoughts and emotions that run through you when one of your dreams come true….