Please excuse me, I want to do one more on George Jones and his funeral.
He has won every award, nominated for everything he could be nominated for, sold millions of records, appeared before millions, maybe a billion, he has mentored many, helped many, and never lost his touch with reality or the common man. Elvis and George appeared together many years ago on the Louisiana Hayride. On one handbill, George was headlined above Elvis.
A few things really stood out to me today, at his funeral. I think that Garth Brooks was a late arrival, and was seated in the middle of the room, Next thing I know, he was seated next to Mrs. Bush, and was acknowledged from the stage, rather than being a part of the funeral. He was the only one acknowledged that way.Vince Gill, broke down while he was singing I don't think he finished the way that he wanted to, he had too many tears in his eyes. I thought it was a great tribute to George. George called Gill "Sweatpea." My guess that is one of his most treasured memories.
Alan Jackson closed the ceremony as he emotionally sang Jones' signature song, "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Near the end, Jackson removed his cowboy hat as the Opry house joined him for the song's final line. "We love you, George," they said. He turned his back as he walked off the stage after his song. My guess is, he could not look back.
I have been very lethargic today, took a long nap this afternoon, and it has been just "quiet" day for me. I think I was normal until the funeral on TV, which I watched. I think I was more of a Jones fan than I realized. I have listened to him most of my life. Some of his songs instantly trigger memories at various times in my life, some I had forgotten, but were brought back, by George. Music can do that. We take for granted, many things, and we don't miss them till they are gone or taken away. I have lost a number of family members, and after their funerals, there was a "blah" time, a quiet time, I have experienced that today.
