Are You Going to the Bus Stop?

The last week in April led up to my son Jacob's graduation from the University of Cincinnati.

Our first child, graduating from college.  It still hasn't really sunk in yet.

One of those moments in time that you never really thought would get there.  When you thought about it, you tried to picture what life would be like at that moment, what you and your wife would look like in the moment.  Thankfully, we didn't turn out to be as old and gray as I thought we may be. Face it, when you are twenty or thirty something, 50 seemed light years away.  Or less than 50 in Kelly's case.

The reality of college graduation seemed so far off, even at the point of high school graduation.  I mean, 4 years ago, who would have thunk it??  (..... yes, you read correctly, he finished his degree in 4 years!!!  So proud!)

I took the day prior to graduation off from work to get some things done in the morning.  We were leaving early in the afternoon for a dinner event with Jacob in Cincinnati.  So when I got up on Friday morning, the house was quiet and I began to think about things, you know the big picture that was becoming clearer as this milestone event approached.

Then the picture reminded me it was trash day and I hadn't taken the cans down to the street.  After collecting the trash throughout the house, I proceeded to take the can and the recycling bin down to the curb on this damp and chilly April morning.  Wearing shorts and slides along a sweatshirt, it is Ohio of course. To complete the 'day off' ensemble, a ball cap.  Suburb chic I like to call it.

I thought I had heard a truck while I was in the house and hoped that the recycling hadn't already been picked up.  So I walked towards the neighbors driveway, to see if their bin was empty or full.  Still full, didn't miss it, good to go.  I walked about 20 feet down the street towards my house, ready to go back to my coffee and chase away the chill, when I heard it....  a little voice called out,

"Hi Joe!"

Busted!!  Caught red handed checking the status of the recycling....

Slowly I turned, there he stood, at the top of his driveway, bag of Goldfish Crackers in his hands, the red haired 4 year old boy from next door.  We'll call him M.

Trying to play off my sneaky bin check, I responded, "Good Morning M. What's going on?"

"Nothing." M replied.  Followed quickly by a very poignant question, "Are you going to the Bus Stop?"

As M asked,  his Mom and first grade sister R, came down the porch steps from the house.

Now R, being the good big sister that she is, taught M how to say 'Hi Joe!' whenever they see me.  I have heard it many times, sometime several times a day or even several times within an hour, and I answer every time.  I look forward to it, like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.  I am hopeful that if I continue to respond cheerfully, I can avoid curmudgeon status in the neighborhood.

Since M was a couple of years younger and a little on the shy side when they moved in next door, it took a little time before he would belt it out like he did on this fine morning.  Then to add this very important question.

"Are you going to the bus stop?"  A simple question from M, but it held a big meaning in my melancholy state of mind that morning.

"Of course I am going to the bus stop!" I informed M.  Since it had been quite awhile since I was 'needed' to walk to the bus stop, I felt it was more than appropriate to do so by choice this fine morning.

You see my daughter, our youngest, just finished her freshmen year at The Ohio State University, so you can say it has been some time since my last walk to the bus stop.

Off we went, moderate pace, R leading the way, Mom and I talking about this and that, M sauntering along snacking on the Goldfish crackers, offering his observations on the scene, filling me in on the bus stop protocol if you will.  M introduced me to some of the other kids, then ran off in an impromptu footrace as the first graders hung out at the corner, you know, playing it cool.

The neighbors, who knew I really had no need to be at the bus stop welcomed me with a laugh.

It had been awhile, going to the bus stop, quite the social event I must say.  After a suspense filled five minutes of chaos and anticipation, the school bus arrived and the kids loaded up.  We waved, said our goodbyes and advised the kids to have, 'A Great Day at School.'

I turned for the journey back home as some of the other parents stayed to talk.  Mom, M and I started back down the sidewalk to our little section of the street.  The crunch of Goldfish crackers breaking the post bus stop silence.  (ok, we were talking but that sounded more dramatic, just go with it.)

I looked down and saw a worm on the sidewalk.  I called to M, who was walking out in front of us, setting the pace.  M returned to inspect the worm.

Mom asked M, if he wanted to save the worm.  M quickly agreed that this was the best course of action and picked up the worm and placed him in the cool comfort of the grass.

To insure the worm was well nourished, M reached into his bag of Goldfish crackers and placed one next to the worm for nourishment.   Of course M used the same hand he used to pick up the worm, so the cracker would have the appropriate worm scent and thus subsequently accepted by the worm.  Such a smart lad!

Soon we arrived back at M's driveway, and the journey to the Bus Stop came to an end.  Quite an eventful journey at that.

Looking down at M, I could see the little boy that would walk across the University of Cincinnati Stage the next day.

Although not quite so small anymore and ready to start a job on the next Monday versus saving worms.  Everything he wants is in front of him, his goals are set and he is off to storm the tower, as he did so many times, charging up the hill in our front yard.  'To the Keep!' he would yell if the tide of battle would turn.  Regroup and ride out to win the day!  He is ready.

Are you going to the bus stop?

Of course, every chance I get.

Close Encounters of the Garth Kind

Musical notes, strummed on a guitar can often cause our ears to perk up and take notice of what is about to happen next.  

Much like the movie Close Encounters, the opening chords of any Garth Brooks song stirs a memory or flashback to a point in the life I share with my equally beautiful and sweet wife Kelly.   It compels us to sing along, put a smile on our face and embrace the emotion of the tune.

Kelly and I each had our own musical tastes before we met.  Some overlapped, while we differed on many others. She preferred the likes of Journey, Michael Stanley Band and Bruce Springsteen.  While I grew up on KISS, Classic Rock, AC/DC and 80's rock and hair metal.  \m/   

Our story with Garth started shortly after we both graduated from Capital University in 1989.  Garth was gaining presence in the Country Music World and we decided to see him perform at the Ohio State Fair in 1991.  I believe it was just prior to his third album Ropin the Wind as he played some selections from the new album in the show.  What a show it was.  To that point, I had not seen many country shows and the energy of his concert was fantastic.  I never expected a country artist to be climbing up the light rigging.  I also felt a connection as Garth explained why the show started a little late as he had to fit into his jeans. 

Kelly and I were married in May of 1992.  I was a little worried when a fixture at her Bridal Shower was a copy of Time Magazine with Garth on the cover.  Seems like any trip or task around the house wasn't complete without the latest album and the previous Garth albums playing in the background.  We were blessed with a son, Jacob in 1994 and our family continued to grow when we were expecting another baby in early August of 1997.   

1997 also brought the return of Garth to Columbus when he planned to do A show in Cooper Stadium.  Amidst all of the preparations for the baby, I knew my duty was to secure tickets to this show!  I made sure to schedule the day off to get a wrist band and another day off when the tickets would go on sale.  I was nervous when the order was announced and found myself well back in line.  Once the sale started, word spread quickly that the show had sold out. But, then they they began adding shows, I grew hopeful but still pensive as I needed to make sure Kelly attended the show. Pensive is a fancy way of saying I was scared to death.  

 I was so relieved when I stepped up to the counter in time to get grandstand tickets for the fifth show scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th.  As Kelly was a week late delivering our first child, we thought it would be no problem attending a concert a week before the Aug 4 due date. No problem.  We got this!

Friday, July 25th, the week before the show, we went to her OBGYN for her check up.  The Doctor, God Bless Him, was reviewing her vitals when he announced that Kelly's blood pressure was up a little and he felt he should induce labor on Monday, July 28th.  It was at that moment that I feared for his life.  I could see the pressure rising further as the first thing Kelly said was, "But we're supposed to see Garth on Tuesday!!!!"  Nothing that I could say at that point would justify her dismay.  Once in the car, Kelly couldn't hold back any longer and the tears were flowing.  This just wasn't fair in her opinion.  No words could change that feeling.  Once home, she continued to be inconsolable and laid down to rest. 

As it was mid afternoon on Friday, I went into all out Save the Day mode.  Kelly deserved to see Garth, Kelly needed to see Garth.  I called everyone I knew to see if they knew of people with tickets that we could trade.  I called every radio station, Ticketmaster, I pulled out all stops trying to find a solution.  In this day and age before Cell phones, I made every attempt to reach out to anyone who would listen to my tale.  I made contact with some folks at work who knew some friends with tickets and they would pass on the message and my number.  On Friday evening, I got the call.  Someone would switch tickets with us for the Sunday evening show.  Words could not express my gratitude towards this kind soul. I felt blessed beyond belief.  Kelly could not believe our good fortune. 

With my Mother in Law watching Jacob, off we went to the show, pregnant Kelly beaming with excitement.  Then storm clouds rolled in and made things iffy for the start of the show.  The storm passed and the show went on.  The new seats were better than the original tickets as we were now on the field sitting side stage, close to the Action, close to Garth! A phenomenal night and I never knew a woman about to give birth could dance so much.   

The next afternoon, we welcomed our daughter Kaelyn Rose into the world on July 28, 1997.  A beautiful Baby girl who years later loved to listen to the Cowboy Song from Garth's In Pieces album.  It was her and Daddy's song.  I later learned it was significant that she was born on July 28th as it is the same birthday as Garth's youngest daughter, one year removed. 

As the years passed, we watched every Garth special and purchased every new CD that came out.  Sadly, we weren't able to see Garth perform live again due to proximity and then he announced his retirement from the business to raise his daughters.  At first I didn't understand how he could walk away from the fame and success, but then I thought about the type of person Garth appeared to be, and then it made perfect sense.  I think that is part of the bond we the fans have with him.  Through the years, Garth's music always seems to find its way onto the stereo or in the car.   At times I think of lines from songs to help me through life's challenges. The River always comes to mind.  

In July 2007, we took a family trip to Washington DC.  Among seeing the sites, Kelly found the best way to get inside info on what to do was to talk with other Moms at the hotel pool each night.  On the night of 7/6, she found out the best bit of info one could hear.  Garth would be performing We Shall be Free at the Museum of the American Indian the next morning to kick off the Live Earth concerts with Al Gore.  how does this happen?  Us and Garth both in DC at the same time??  A little internet searching and we found all the info we needed.  Arrive early and get in line to gain entrance to the free event. 

The next morning, Kelly was up and dressed before anyone else.  One does not go see Garth without a little more than the usual sight seeing preparation.  We arrived early and waited in line with the activists and a few other Garth enthusiasts.  When they opened the gates, being in the mid 80s in terms of place in line, we felt we would be be near the front.  Much to our dismay, we were directed to a back corner while others were ushered up near the stage.  With the usual last minute adjustments, we were soon pushed a little farther back with a portable fence.  Ohhh the glare my beloved gave the organizers. Jacob and Kaelyn couldn't figure out why she was so upset about it...      

Garth and Trisha Yearwood entered near this fence which I was able to capture on Video so maybe it wasn't so bad after all.  Garth performed in splendid voice and the video camera captured it all despite the TV Camera Boom which kept getting in the way. Typical Dad video, shaky, over zooming etc.  

As Garth concluded his song and introduced Blues Nation as the next performer, he began to make his way back on the path to leave and re-enter the Museum.  As he walked along the path, he waved and made comments to the crowd.  About 40 ft from where I was standing along the fence, Garth veered over to shake hands!!!!  Oh my God!!! He is coming down the line.  I couldn't believe it.  When he got to me, he grabbed my hand and I got caught up in the moment and blurted out, like any star struck fan would.  Video camera catching it all, "Ten Years ago in Columbus, Ohio, my daughter was born one day after we went to your concert!"  Garth looked at me puzzled for a moment and then with true Garth fashion said, "Oh yeah, well how's she doing now?"  I replied, feeling like my feet were ten feet off the ground, "She's doing great."  I even followed it up with the obilgatory, "We Love you Man!!"  Kelly was caught up in the crowd behind me and got a Wave from Garth and I thought she could have climbed the Washington Monument after that.  A definite highlight of our trip.  I still get goose bumps thinking about that day

Fast forward to 2010, we planned a late January trip to Las Vegas with some friends and it definitely wouldn't have been complete without seeing Garth perform his show at the Wynn.  Of course we had to go to Vegas, Garth was there.  It was a wonderful experience to see him in a small setting of 1500 people.  During a part of the show, Garth takes questions from the audience and I tried to get in the 1997 story but due to our balcony seats I wasn't able to get his attention and I didn't want to be rude and yell out.  When you are seeing Garth, you are with friends.  Another trip highlight. Garth confirmed his love for Classic Country, and rock songs through the ages in that show.  He certainly embraces his roots and I think that is part of what endears us to him.  Plus he said once that he based some of this stage sets and theatrics on the 70's super groups like KISS.  
In November of 2010, we watched the Oprah show when Garth appeared as a guest. Now I don't watch Oprah as a habit but when Kelly told me Garth was on, I couldn't turn away.   He mentioned the Nashville Flood relief shows during the interview and the need to get Tickets burned inside me for a couple of weeks.  Finally, the desire to exercise caution was shattered by the desire to do this for my beautiful wife.  For all she is and all she does, she deserves the best.  She deserves to see Garth.

A little internet searching and tickets were secured for Sunday night, December 19.  A week before the shows, while attending an annual Christmas party with our college friends, I slipped an envelope addressed to Kelly from Santa to the youngest daughter of one of our friends, After a little confusion of what was going on, she opened the envelope and pulled the tickets out.  This turned out to be one of the few times that she was rendered speechless that I can recall.  A 2 day trip to Nashville, Honky Tonkin on the way to the show and an indescribable performance by Garth and his band.  To this day, Kelly refers to that moment as the best Christmas gift she has ever received.  We were definitely on a Garth High at that moment.  

From there, we eagerly waited for any news regarding Garth's return to performing as his daughters were growing up and heading off to college.  As the tour started, we eagerly watched the show announcements and hoped he would be coming to Columbus.  We waited and we watched.  Then, in Feb of 2015, Kelly sprang to life when she saw a post on Facebook of someone selling four tickets for a show in Pittsburgh.  Of course we jumped on them and made plans to head to Pittsburgh.  We had a great time and were able to share the Garth experience with our kids.  The best part was seeing them sing along to all of the classic Garth tunes.  A trip we will never forget.  

Later in the spring, as we prepared for Kaelyn's High School graduation party, we were down to selecting music for her video montage of pictures.  I reserved one request, the first song had to be The River.  At first my selection was challenged but as soon has the opening notes played with the first baby picture, any concerns were laid to rest.  

In early 2016, we learned that Garth would in fact return to Columbus with his wife Trisha Yearwood, who just so happens to be one of our other favorite artists.  Amidst the flurry of nerves when the tickets went on sale, some finally popped up for the first show on Friday April 15.  The next encounter with Mr. Brooks.  

The show started with a flurry and an assault on the senses as Garth took the stage.  For everything the crowd gave him, he gave right back.  Every moment was a celebration of fun as a bunch of old friends got back together.  After 19 years away from Columbus, I think we welcomed him back in the right way.  

The best joy of all, was looking to my right and seeing the smile on Kelly's face throughout the show.  Sharing those moments during Unanswered Prayers and Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House.  That is what makes it all worth it.  

So rather than the notes played in Close Encounters to call the folks to the mountain, ours are the unmistakable opening notes to Friends in Low Places. 

Blame it all on our roots, until next time Garth

First Day on the Blog

First Day on the Blog.

Hello?  Hello?  Is this on?  Is anybody here?

Well, I guess this is the first step of hopefully many entries.  Who knows where this will really take me.  Something I have wanted to do for quite a long time and never quite got over the hump to actually create a blog.

Looking around, it doesn't feel much different than my house.  Imagine that.  (As I sit here in my house.)

Big thank you to friends and family who have encouraged me to do something like this.  You know who you are.

A special shout out to Michele, who answered many of my questions of how to do this or that.  Like, "Should my Profile display my whole name?"  Heavens to Betsy!!!  What a dilemma.   I asked Michele because she is the author of the 'Merry Memories by Michele' Blog at http://merrymemoriesbymichele.blogspot.com/   Wait!  Should that be Blogger instead of Author?  I am so not with it.

So you may be asking, Why 'Poobah's Corner'.  Along the road of life, I picked up many nicknames.  This one happened to be the most recent in my adult life,  During my stint as President of the Youth Football Board, I earned the nickname as being the Grand Poobah of it all.

On that particular board were many men who became great friends and our families have been connected ever since.  Sometimes corralling all of their ideas and strategies required a 'Poobahian' effort.  One such flurry of activity led me to quote a rap song by DMX.  "You all gonna make me lose my mind, Up in Here, Up In Here."  That particular statement remains a fun memory to share occasionally with our friend Missy.  I say 'our' friend because my wife Kelly is on this journey with me, and we are both friends with Michele as well.

I gave up that role many years ago, but the name has stuck with me in certain circles, so it seemed to fit here.  Sitting in my corner of the world, just thinking about what goes on in this life of mine.

Speaking of corners, I will likely paint myself into one if I don't get back to working on the taxes.  I only ventured out to take a few steps toward looking into setting up a blog.  One thing led to another, and here I am.  writing my first post.  I hope to avoid this rambling nature in the future.  I promise I will have a topic of sorts.  I have a couple in mind.

I will warn you, many times, I will mention or talk about music.  I love music.  I need to learn out to play some actual music.  I look back through life and can parallel music, artists and songs to a period of life.  I watched the documentary, 'I'll Be Me,' the story of Glen Campbell's final tour while he battles Alzheimer disease.  An amazing story, about an amazing artist, who worked his way through a final tour while battling this terrible disease.

During the show, John Carter Cash had a quote to the effect of the following: 'Music is the passion that feeds our soul.'  I agree 100% with that.  So as you go through life, stop to listen to the music now and then.  You won't be disappointed.  If I could recommend a song, listen to Glen Campbell's 'Gentle on my Mind.'  Its a good one.

Now don't label me because I referenced country music.  You will find that I am quite broad in my tastes.  Classic Rock, British Invasion, Sixties, Seventies, The Blues, Motown, 80's, 80's Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Country, today's Country...  needless to say, whatever mood strikes me.  That probably best describes the future of this Blog....  Whatever mood strikes me...

and sports, mostly football.....  but that is a blog for another time...

Be Well...