I was in my mid to late teens when I was invited to attend a rock concert with some friends. THE GROUP: Guns n' Roses, THE VENUE: The Salt Palace (3 hours away from my home), THE FRIENDS: one girlfriend - we would be meeting up with 5 male life guards from Lava Hot Springs. Probably not a good idea you're thinking. Well alright smarty pants, I know that now, but go back with me to my late, brain dead teens . . .
Like any reasonable teenager I begged and begged and begged my parents to let me go. I cajoled, threatened, debated and cried. Finally my mother sat me down and told me all of the reasons she didn't feel good about me going and then she did it, she said those five magical words: "But the choice is yours."
You're probably rooting for responsible Jodi at this point. Don't bother, she was on sabbatical.
So I went. And guess what? It wasn't that great. The fun of the weekend didn't outweigh the sadness I felt over disappointing my mother. I'm sure she felt like a failure as she watched me walk out the door that day but the lesson she allowed me learn at that moment changed me. I felt empowered, supported and loved. I learned that the choice is always mine as are the consequences.
She allowed me to practice making my own choices in a safe environment.
Thank you mom.
happy birthday,
I attended my first concert, Chicago, with my mom. Peter Cetera knew just how to speak to my chronically melancholy teenage heart. Hard to Say I'm Sorry? You're the Inspiration? *sigh* Poetry, absolute poetry.
Who was your first concert?
11 comments:
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful person and mother!
Happy birthday Aunt Mary Ann! What an amazing lady.
My first concert was Maroon 5 at UVU. I know, I'm so young. But you should know it was closely followed by Tony Bennett at Deer Valley. I'm really just an old soul.
She is wonderful.
Just wonderful.
And my first concert: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. What I am is what I am. Are you what you are or what? She spoke right to my teen angst!
New Kids on the Block when I was 10 down in Provo. I was so in love. At the time I didn't think life could get any better! Sigh.... is right!
Erasure at Park West. Let's just say my innocent eyes were opened that night to a whole new world.
I can't remember who I went to see first.....it must have been at least a hundred years ago!! I do remember with great fondness though seeing Tina Turner in the early 70's...she was playing with Kris Kristopherson! Imagine?!
What I do remember though Jodi, is you as a teenager! I have some funny memories that I will share with you in person some day!!!
Hugs.........
Hello why was I not invited to Guns and Roses? LOL.. I was 36 yrs old before I could go to a concert..Martina McBride and still at 36 yrs went to Celine Dion with my dad! LOL-ing. Just purchased tickets to Sugarland today....going to so many concerts in my thirties because I didn't get those 5 magic words...lol-ing.
Please wish your mother a happy birthday from me. :)
Dear Jodi, My first concert? December 1972, at the Terrace in SLC. Loggins and Messina with John. He kissed me for the first time there. I was 15 and he was 18, he left just 3 weeks later for his mission, right after his birthday.
Your Mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll...
House at Pooh corner...
Danny's song...
oh, those were the days...
Love, Joy
Happy Birthday to your incredible mother too! Please tell her!
Joy
Let me just say that next to my own mother, whom I love so very much, there is one other mom who has a very special place in my heart. So special that I will spend every June 15th singing corny songs to her answering machine for her birthday.
Happy Birthday!
My first concert....Thompson Twins and OMD at the Salt Palace, November 1985. And, it was incredible, and it was on a Sunday....*gasp*
Joy - I loved your story - Loggins and Messina - incredible. What was John doing taking you, a 15 year old, to a concert? *gasp* *gasp*
My first concert was reo speedwagon at the holt arena in 7th or 8th grade with Jennifer Anderson. Good times. LOL!! I have enjoyed reading your blog. You are truly inspirational! -Sandy
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