Couldn't Ask For More: One of the GREATEST weeks of my Life! Pt. 3

Sometimes, I really don't like it when someone tells me I can't do something. This happened this week on February 2nd. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we receive email updates for upcoming events at the Reagan Library & Museum. One such update I received, was for the Centennial Concert being held at the Library on February 5th, 2011. Again, this was an event that wasn't, supposedly, open to the General Public, but I received an email that had an rsvp on it. I didn't click on it because I figured it was sold out.

At the Library on February 2nd, I was talking with a younger docent (younger meaning, she didn't have gray hair). I mentioned that I had received an email about the concert. Before I even had the words out of my mouth, she began shaking her head, "No," in a manner that to me spoke, "You can't go!" Hmmm...Really? But I got the email? So while waiting for the lecture to begin, I checked my email (yes, I do love my new phone) and for the heck of it rsvp'd. There was a waiting list, but I figured, it doesn't hurt to try.

At about 9:00pm on the evening of February 3rd, I got email notification that we were no longer on the wait list. WE WERE GOING TO THE CONCERT!! The live concert featured many great bands, speakers, and political leaders. Amazing, simply amazing! I was feeling quite blessed!

While visiting the Library on the 4th, I once again ran into that young docent. I exclaimed, "We got tickets to the concert!" I think she was in shock. She congratulated us and by her expression I could see she was just as surprised as I was.

So, on the afternoon of February 5th, after two basketball games and a baseball clinic, we headed out to Simi Valley once again. This time the kids and I were accompanied by their Dad, my sweetheart. This was his maiden voyage to the illustrious Reagan Library. There was no disguising my anticipation and excitement for him to see one of my favorite destinations.

We arrived to the shuttle parking lot and rode the bus to the Library. This is a good experience for homeschoolers- riding the bus. It allows them to check that one off their curiosity list.

We arrived and were directed to get in line for the concert held in the Air Force One Pavilion. The Pavilion was shining like I've never seen it shine before. Beauty, absolute beauty. We were given the "Gray" sticker. It designates where you can sit. We sat on the second floor, but I wanted to be closer. I did some talking and found we could sit on the main floor. I quickly did some more talking, secured five seats with a great view and we were on our way.

Sharing one of my loves with my LOVE

Under Air Force 1. We sat in this section of chairs at the bottom of the photo.

At our first table, but we quickly moved after the kids ate a hot dog

So cute!

The Program for the Evening

Video Tribute

Video Tribute, Mrs. Reagan

The Stage

The evening began with a welcome from John Heubusch and a video tribute on The Life of Ronald Reagan. Fred Thompson emceed the events of the night.

Fred Thompson

USC Marching Band

Drums, horns and marching from the USC Marching band followed. Oh My!! I think I want to take up the clarinet again, go to USC and learn to march. I'm not a Trojan, but if I was I'd probably have fainted with excitement. They were GREAT! Goosebumps!

There were a number of remarks given by younger men and women who were part of the National Youth Leadership Committee. They were bright, confident leaders. This is an organization I need to find out more about.

Then came LONESTAR. I remember listening to Lonestar just after our first son was born. I think I nearly wore out the cd. I remember painting a room yellow in a rental we were living in while we were building our first house. I played AMAZED over and over and over again. Still love that song and LOVE the LOVE that Ronnie and Nancy had.

Lonestar

Jerry West, famous L.A. Laker spoke about President Reagan.

There were video tributes from Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush

President George H.W. Bush

President George W. Bush

Next up with Roger Williams. When he walked on the stage, my little precious girlie whispered, "What's so special about him?" He then sat down at the piano and proceeded to WOW us with his magnificent talent. After the first song, I leaned over to her and whispered, "Do you now hear what's so special about him?" She quickly grinned.

One thing we didn't know was Roger Williams and Ronald Reagan both started out at the same radio station in Des Moines, Iowa. Reagan called sporting events and Williams had a program playing piano. I think that's very interesting.

Mr. Roger Williams

Roger Williams played Our Love is Here to Stay to a video tribute to the loved shared between Ronald and Nancy Reagan. I couldn't help but cry my eyes out. They have such a beautiful love story! He also played Impossible Dream. He read some of the words to us and stated he felt those words told the story of Ronald Reagan better than any other. The words are worth reflecting upon.

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

After Roger Williams we heard from Jeffrey Immelt. My hub saw him earlier in the evening and knew immediately who he was. I didn't know, but I don't follow business the way he does. Following Jeffery Immelt we heard video tributes from Edwin Meese, Marlin Fitzwater, Aaron Schock, AND the Jonas Brothers. Not sure how they got in that line-up, but my girlie was pretty excited to see them on the screens.

I wish I could tell you which Jonas was which, but I'll leave that to the more educated pop culture peeps in my life.

The next performer of the night had me in tears again. She sang Someone Like You from Les Miserables, and I Dreamed a Dream from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Beautiful voice!

Camp Rock's Ana Maria Perez de Tagle

On the political forefront we saw many greats in the audience. Among them were George Schulz. I think I saw Jan Brewer. Sam Donaldson was present. Gov. Rick Perry spoke about President Reagan's Greatness. I've often wondered if we should move to Texas. I think many of my people are there.

Governor Rick Perry, TX

Gov. Rick Perry

Next up was one of the Reagan's favorite bands...The Beach Boys! What an energizing, fun-filled time! Everyone loves the classic Beach Boys tunes, but how much better are they when you live in Southern California? There were suited people in their 60's dancing, whooping it up when the Beach Boys hit the stage. AND much to our surprise, a guest band member, John Stamos, was there to sing and play with them. Our kids, who are allowed to watch Full House, were so excited to see Jesse in "real life!"

Okay, maybe I went a little crazy with the Beach Boys pics, but I couldn't resist. I remember seeing them when I was a kid at a local fair. They were great then, they're great now!

We're coming to the end of the evening. I'm so happy to report Peggy Noonan was able to be there! She missed the lecture on Tuesday evening, but apparently was able to make it out for this special event.

Peggy Noonan. If you haven't read When Character Was King, it's well worth the read.

Peggy Noonan

We were honored to have representatives from the USS Ronald Reagan present. They spoke about his legacy and how he has impacted their lives. There was also a video tribute from the Captain of the USS Ronald Reagan. I'm forever grateful Ronald Reagan honored our military. I'm sure he would have been so humbled and proud of the service of our many men and women around the globe.

Wrapping up the evening was a performance of America by the Los Robles Master Chorale followed up by the finale of God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. I was so completely awed and privileged to be present at this event. My heart is full!