I soon fell in love with the song “Stuck Like Glue” and that is how we compared our friendship. We were stuck like glue. When we found out that Sugarland would be in concert at the Indiana State Fair on August 13, we planned a weekend trip to Indianapolis.
We and 12,000 others settled into the grandstand for the outside concert. It had been a beautiful day and was turning into a beautiful evening. We watched a security guard let the Sugarland fan club go backstage for a meet and greet. We watched the opening act, Sarah Bareilles, take the stage and perform several of her hit songs. We also watched the area right in front of the stage fill up with the most avid Sugarland fans. This area was called the “Sugar Pit.”
When the stage was cleared of the opening act, a representative from the sponsoring radio station came on stage to announce that we were just moments away from Sugarland taking the stage. He also said that they had been watching the storm brewing to the west. He told us what to do “IF” we have to evacuate, but as of that moment, the show would go on. We watched the sky turn darker and the lightening more frequent, but we thought the storm would continue moving along to the west of the fairgrounds. We tried to check the radar on our smart phones but for whatever reason, whether it be the weather or the fact that we were under a huge metal roof, we were unable to access the internet.
All of a sudden, the air turned cooler and the wind started blowing stronger. The wind was stirring up so much dust that everything turned orange. We watched the tarp covering the top of the stage start flapping in the wind. Then, just like a domino falling over, the light rigging and the stage framework collapsed, falling right into the Sugar Pit. Four people were killed from the impact of the collapse. Three more would succumb to their injuries later.
Sugarland had just finished their prayer circle, a ritual performed before they take to the stage. They were ready to walk out but their manager held them back. If they had been on that stage, I am certain they would have been seriously injured or killed.
This was one of the worst experiences of my life and I cannot stop thinking about it. But yet, I think about all the people that were affected one way or another. We were all there because we wanted to be, whether it be for the love of a concert or for the love of Sugarland. I celebrate the lives of those lost, may their memory live on.
Here is one of Jennifer Nettles favorite recipes and a good, old fashioned recipe for sugar cookies.
CAPRESE SALAD
•Fresh tomatoes
•Fresh Mozzarella
•Fresh basil
•Balsamic vinegar
•Olive oil
•Salt/pepper
Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into slices (about 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick). Stack tomato and mozzarella, in alternating slices. 2 each. While stacking, remember to salt and pepper the tomatoes before placing the mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
SUGAR COOKIES
•2/3 cup shortening
•2/3 cup butter
•1 1/2 cups sugar
•2 eggs
•2 teaspoons vanilla
•3 1/2 cups flour
•2 teaspoons baking powder
•1 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together shortening, butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and powder and blend into the creamed mixture. Shape into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
NEXT WEEK—Grandparents
Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!
No comments:
Post a Comment