Yesterday I watched two videos of the 1940's Grand Ole Opry that a friend brought me. For several hours I watched and listened as Ferlin Husky, Grandpa Jones, Carl Smith, Faron Young, June Carter, the Carter Family, Ernest Tubb, Johnny and Jack, Eddie Hill, Goldie Hill, and many, many more- all young and vibrant and ALIVE. All gone now.

There are a few still here: Little Jimmy Dickens, Kitty Wells, Ray Price.

Years ago, I told my very devout mother: 'Leavng religion aside, can you see my dilemma when I think that if all those people could stand to die, so can I.' And then I think, 'But they couldn't stand it: it killed them.'

My mother laughed and said, 'I see what you mean.'