I remember when I was four. I was terrified of the green trucks. Driving on F.M. 86, we would occasionally pass by them, which meant there was a good chance of people I loved being sent away…deported to Mexico, since undocumented immigrants were frequently employed at my dad’s restaurant. Hearing about the ICE raids are bad news. And still, I hear my dad’s voice, “you can’t do it that way!”
I made hamburgers for breakfast. Well, late breakfast. Ok, brunch. Screw it, it was lunch for the first meal. Mags had just finished a bowl of cereal (it was noon). Ethan wasn’t hungry (he rarely is this early – the Boy eats at 2 in the morning.
Directly after clean up, it was time to get ready for the show, since it was an hour to the Cambodian restaurant for dinner (lunch). I took a hot Epsom bath and more ‘roids. My scrip is 3 times a day for 5 days, but I just need them to last me through the night. I shan’t lie – I’ve been concerned about this show since it will be standing only – a packed house. The restaurant was not as good as the Cambodian eatery in Oakland. That was to die for. A trip to Oakland is in the works – yes, just for the food.
We arrived at the venue in 20 minutes, and found a parking garage 5 minutes’ walk away. 
Swarms of people were already there. We spent the next hour and a half in line, in the brisk wind, me in short sleeves. I do this willingly, because I know how warm it will be inside. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Every now and gain, screams would fill the air, but there was never an answer as to why. The crows above us surged forward and Maggie burst into giggles, seeing a mom dragging her daughter in a run, smacking the guy in front of her, he jabbed her with his elbow, then mom boxed his ear. Yep. Concert Violence By Moms. Inside, we grabbed a sprite and water each, then headed to general admission. Maggie was astounded that we were about 8 people back from the stage. There was an attempt at a wave in the stands; always willing I jumped up several times, admonished by my daughter, yet within 5 minutes everyone in our area was doing it. Sometimes moms just know. The first band from Nashville, Judah and the Lion, were incredible. Lead singer dude reminded me Mike Patton with his persona. A banjo, accordion, mandolin also were a part of the band. Jon Belion was next – and my, oh me. That bass player. MMMMM! Twenty-One Pilots were easily one of, if not THE best show I have ever seen. These two are SO talented and understand how to create a show that easily satisfies a wide range of people. I saw all ages, all races there. It blew me away.
I think the best part was finally sharing a concert with someone I love – someone who means so much to me. Yes, a different type of love than I had envisioned, but this one means more to me because she is my daughter. There is a connection I have with this kid that transcends any love for a man I will ever have. She gets it about concerts, too, which made my heart glow. We enjoyed some Denny’s afterwards, then headed home. What a beautiful night it was.
Pictures: Mr. Tyler Joseph on keys; Josh Dunn & Tyler Joseph; Tyler again (Maggie took this incredibly perfect shot); Maggie’s heart hands. We loved this show. Twenty-One Pilots Rocks!
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