(Not my first rodeo... wait it was!)
Picture proof of singing The National Anthem.
I had the special opportunity to sing The National Anthem at the rodeo last week.
When we arrived, there was a buzz of excitement as the dust swirled around my boots.
This rodeo was my first ever rodeo! I stepped into a world that I have yet to learn much about. Being from Utah, you'd think I might be more familiar with it, but I was a stranger to those rodeo stands.
It was funny. When I arrived at the arena, the lady I was talking to pointed at what looked like a tower in the sky and said that was where I needed to walk. So I walked up and down the stairs, around, dodging any cow poop left from the horses and the cattle. After what felt like a journey, I met some kind folks who announced that my band and I were playing on the main stage the following evening.
I enjoyed stepping out of my element and diving into something unfamiliar. I felt in awe Watching people lasso animals or seeing the rodeo queens race by on horses around the arena. I can't imagine the hours and practice that go into that craft.
There was a beautiful tribute near the beginning of suicide awareness night. I'm a fierce advocate for mental health and reaching out and getting the support that is needed. (Suicide Prevention Resource Center).
I'm not sure how much conversation there is about mental health in the rodeo space, but I'm glad I got to be a part of it that night.
Here’s a cheers to many more rodeos.