I came with the intention of loving everyone. It was easy. The holding room at the Phoenix Convention Center was wall to wall with brave people living their lives fully. Some of the younger people looked a bit like they were headed for the guillotine, and my heart really went out to them. It made me glad to be older, with enough experience to recognize that this was not a life and death matter. Shortly, another woman near my age sat down next to me. As the hours ticked by, we shared our histories, dreams, and faith. We found ourselves on the same page in different books, and so Diana turned into my best new friend. Others came and went around us, and we chatted, entertained, and attempted to help quell their performance anxiety. They finally called our numbers, sending us in different directions. I met some other lovely folks who needed some encouraging words, while we waited some more. At last, we entered the piano room. I was busy complimenting the young girl who performed before me, when they called my number. Whoops! But it actually got my energy flowing, as I jumped up and practically ran over to the X trying to make up for lost time. We were supposed to state our name, age and song. “I’m Cynthia Bythell, published song writer, and I’m 65”, I said proudly. “I’d like to dedicate this original to everybody who’s auditioning.” Before I knew it, my 90 second inspirational piano/vocal The Wish Planet was finished. And then it happened. The producer complimented me! (She was definitely easy to love.) It was a delicious five hour adventure to audition for America’s Got Talent. I’m still waiting. But now, it’s with great suspense for the results. When I turn the next page of the book, which way will my life go? In the meantime, I’ve turned 66…..

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