Mitch and Terri McCalib have been married for 25 years.. Last night I was honored to celebrate their love surrounded by many friends and family at the Lake Ridge country club in Lubbock Tx.. It must have been sometime last December when Mitch told me about the event and didn’t give me any other options.. “You are going to be there, and Mason and the Gin Line are playing..”
Of course that sounded very much like a perfect night to me.
Mason Server and The Gin Line band put on a perfect performance. The Gin Line – Mason Server lead vocals, Blaze Butler Bass Guitar, Cole Stanley Lead Guitar, Matt Newsom drums.
The McCalib family has become my own. A big part of me and who I am today, and what I stand for.
I first met Mitch and Terri’s son Hayden at the Blue Light in Lubbock. The very same night I first got to meet Mason Server and Blaze Butler of the Gin Line. that night I also met Charlie Stout and the Author and fellow music lover Tom Mooney.
Mason and The Gin Line had just released Caprock Composition.. I had been following and corresponding with them on Twitter. I made plans to meet up with them at their show at the Blue Light. The guys welcomed me into their circle, and I have been hooked ever since. Today I even have a dog named Blaze after the bass player and convinced my daughter to name my grandson Mason..
Hayden and his brother Rhyder were at that very concert, we began talking, as Hayden was working in Midland and found out that’s where I was from. From that conversation I learned that the company he was working for was looking for parts people- at the time I was building hydraulic hoses and selling parts. I decided to give it a go and change jobs and it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done..
In a way, I guess that meeting with Mason changed my life. A new job, new friends, Mason was the first artist who actually believed in my blog and gave me credit and confidence to persue my dreams. I still ain’t where I want to be but I am a hell of a lot better than I ever was.
It wasn’t long after that first night that I ended up divorced. Through some personal experiences and work on myself and with the support system of some amazing individuals like the McCalibs and family.
I was able to walk through it with grace and dignity. I found myself diving deeper into my recovery and learning to love myself again. These people never judge me for who I am and I have just as much fun on the dance floor at a Gin Line show sober as they do 13 beers in.. to each is own..
Happy anniversary Mitch and Terri. Thank you for the Memories…
Pancho.