Promise fulfilled

One especially hot summer in Lubbock in the mid-1990s, Steve and I escaped for a quick trip to Denver for a special wedding.

Before the ceremony, the whole Damm family took me sight-seeing. One of our stops was Red Rocks Amphitheater. We walked around the empty space and admired the massive rocks and beautiful views. Steve and I vowed to return someday for a concert. (We never did. It was on our list, but we ran out of time.)

***

In the months after Steve died, I struggled to listen to music. I didn't want to listen to his favorite songs. I didn't want to listen to my favorite songs. I didn't want to listen to our favorite songs. I didn't want to listen to anything new that he might actually like but not be around to hear.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered the Avett Brothers. They weren't new in 2009 or 2010, but they were new to me.

Their lyrics were lovely but didn't trigger too many tears. The music was soothing. I eventually gave in and started singing along.

In time, Cooper and Katie started singing along, too. We've been fans for years now. We each have our favorite songs ("Smithsonian" for Katie, "I and Love and You" for me, "Pretty Girl from Michigan" for Cooper).

***

Jim and Betty rented a cabin in Colorado for the whole family to enjoy for a week this summer. In January, after we'd settled on the exact week, I started to consider what else Cooper, Katie and I needed to see in Colorado. (I've lived through running out of time. It changed how I plan our adventures. Each day is a gift not promised.) On a whim, I checked the Red Rocks concert schedule, hoping for a band that we might have heard of.

The Avett Brothers had just opened tickets -- that very day -- for a three-night stand at Red Rocks.

I bought three tickets and planned the rest of our journey around that Friday night concert.

***

Cooper, Katie and I sat on the 56th row on Friday, June 29. We stood for most every song. We sang. We danced. We admired the view. We looked at each other every now and then, in disbelief that we were actually at a concert in such a dreamy venue.

The concert fulfilled a promise that Steve and I made to each other -- not in the way we intended, but meaningful nonetheless. That night was an important reminder that beauty and poetry and music are sources of joy even in dark times.

When nothing is owed or deserved or expected

And your life doesn't change by the man that's elected

If you're loved by someone, you're never rejected

Decided what to be and go be it

(Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise by the Avett Brothers)

After our journey all the way up to Red Rocks from the parking lot

Before the concert began, we felt a few raindrops then admired a gorgeous rainbow.

Pretty good venue for the kids' first concert

We're big fans of Colorado summers.

One of the two iconic rocks at the venue

The Avett Brothers played 25 songs. We loved every single one.