A Step Back in Time with Lionel Richie

First and foremost I am NOT an idol worshiper. I enjoy great talent like the next person but I do not stand in lines begging for autographs, I do not scream when I see someone famous and I would never, ever pay for a concert to hear someone sing when I can listen at my leisure at home.....until now. My son and DIL surprised me with tickets to see my all time favorite, Lionel Richie. I could listen to his music "All Night Long" and even though I am happily married, I think he is one luscious chocolate lollipop. Even at the grand age of 65 he is Hawt, Hawt, Hawt. At first I was like...do I really want to fight the crowds and go see him in person? And then I decided that I would step out of my box and go to my first concert. I am not including the time that Alabama came to Killeen High School for a mini performance. I got to choose who I wanted to go with me to share this experience and I chose my hubby. He has been listening to Lionel for as long as I have and has grown to appreciate his music almost as much as I do. I fretted the entire months between my gift and the big night. We headed out early to go visit my son and his family and I got to get smoochies from my grandson Kade. Now if I was an idol worshiper it would be for him! He is just down right amazing. I read reviews of the venue and I was prepared for all the negative things that were mentioned. We took our time and got there well before the first act of Celo Green started. There was no crowd at the restroom, no long lines for drinks,no people falling all over each other, actually none of the things I read about were part of my experience. We made our way to our seats and even though my husband is very tall he had enough room to sit. The seats are very close together so you quickly become besties with the person beside you. Lionel still has it...there were people there from the age of 17-85. There were city slickers, country folk, people who spoke no English and those where it was evident they were groupies and followed him to every venue he travels to. Those were fun to watch! I knew I would go back down memory lane when Lionel actually started performing. I knew that I would know every word to every song. I did NOT know however, that when the firsts chord of "Just to be Close to You" echoed through the arena, I would weep. Yes, real tears streaming down my face. My Lionel was singing this song just for me. No one else was there. Just me. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. This show was amazing and I am so grateful for the chance to experience it with my husband. I am still not a super fan or an idol worshiper. I did not buy a T-shirt or want his autograph, but I do feel that I am now personal friends with Mr. Richie. For a small space in time, I was not part of the older crowd following memories.....I was 15 again and making new memories to one day share with my children and grandchildren. Lionel Richie you are the best of the best. You make me want to dance "all Night Long" and I will love you "Always and Forever"!