Road Trip on 7-25-2008

I had a tough week. I had flown out to attend to my family after my mother’s passing. I was in Tennessee, and throughout the week, my family was saddened at her loss, but glad to be together. I saw relatives that I hadn’t seen in over twenty years, and connecting with them again was a great way to bring up a sad event.

I had the job on Friday evening of taking my Sister-in law and niece to the airport. Their flight left at 6:45 PM, but mine didn’t leave until 12 hours later. The car had to be back at the rental agency at 10:00 PM, so rather than get a motel, I decided to check out some of Nashville, get some dinner, and spend the night at the airport on their lush, comfortable chairs. My back would never forgive me.

I wanted to see one landmark, so I went to the home of one of my favorite Presidents; Andrew Jackson at the Hermitage. I figured that Old Hickory would be proud to know that an admirer would make his the first stop on his Nashville tour as opposed to the Grand Ol’ Opry, but sadly, the 7th US President’s home was closed for the evening.

From there, I went in to town. I was planning on a direct westerly approach, but after accidentally taking an exit, I found myself at the edge of the Cumberland River, and LP Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. This wasn’t the first time I had seen this stadium. I saw it the previous September, when I flew overhead headed back home from visiting my parents. I think the altitude was 15000 feet-the real nosebleed seats. I flew over a game between the Titans and somebody-and had a very hard time checking out the action in my 45 seconds over the stadium.

The Stadium is near a footbridge that crosses the river. I took to my feet, and crossed the river to the historic district. I ended up near a Joe’s Crab Shack.

I walked up 2nd Avenue to Broadway, and continued north through the district where partying was popular. I was a little upset with myself. Having to constantly watch my time, I didn’t have time to go in and check out the BB King bar, let alone the Coyote Ugly and Hooters on 2nd Avenue. I did take the time to walk through the Charlie Daniels’ Museum and gift shop, as I have been an admirer of Mr. Daniels.

As I began to worry about the time, I headed back to the car, and noticed a beautiful old building off in the distance. I stopped a couple when I was headed back, and asked them what the building was. The gentleman told me that the buildings I was pointing to was the old Nashville General Hospital, which was adjacent to an old cigar factory. Both were being torn down. I then scurried much faster than I had been, as if the building would be a pile of rubble by the time I found it. Fortunately for me, the building was still standing fifteen minutes later when I found it.

I could only get within a reasonable distance to the old hospital. I really felt its haunting beauty as it overlooked the city complete with the ultra modern Qwest tower, representing a depression era Tennessee contrasting to its modern self. Later, I looked up what people thought of the old hospital by finding blogs dedicated to its memory. There were people who recalled moments when they were brought to the hospital for an injury or illness, and every time, they believed they were being brought to a prison or execution chamber. Every note mentioned that the staff was the utmost of professional and caring.

I found that interesting, that in a cold and sterile environment, compassion can overshadow all else.

It’s good to know that people can overcome their environments with their good human nature.