“Hi, I’m So Proud to Be Here!”
As I age I have noticed that some of my outfits are fast becoming like Minnie Pearl’s from the television show Hee Haw. I have on a blousy blouse with a peasant skirt and sneakers. All I need is a straw hat garnished with flowers and a $1.98 price tag and I have become the 2026 Minnie Pearl. Yes, indeedy. It’s comfort over perfection and Haute Couture.
But you know, I think I can live with that. Considering who Minnie Pearl actually was. Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon (October 25, 2012 – March 4, 1996) graduated from Belmont College and taught dance for a few years before becoming an American comedian and country singer in the Grand Ole Opry.
Later assuming her stage name of Minnie Pearl, she entertained people with her satire of southern living often called “Hillbilly Culture”. Her signature greeting to her audience was an elongated “Howdy! I’m just so proud to be here!” and usually closed her monologues with the exit line, “I love you so much it hurts!”
After battling breast cancer she became a spokeswoman for the medical center in Nashville where she had been treated. She took on this role as herself, Sarah Ophelia Cannon. The center where she was treated was later named the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, and has been expanded to at least twenty other hospitals in middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky; Richmond, Virginia; Kansas City, Missouri; Gainesville, Florida; Plano, Texas; and the United Kingdom. Her name has also been lent to the affiliated Sarah Cannon Research Institute.[9][10]
So, my friends, I am glad to be turning into Minnie Pearl. Like David who eventually was victorious over Goliath, he first slain a lion and bear to rescue lambs from his families flock; I have battled enough medical mayhem to write a book on how to survive and thrive. Each issue prepared me for the next. I, like Minnie Pearl am proud to be here. I thank God for past victories and the strength I receive from Him to face the battles ahead. If I do a fourth of what this fine, intelligent, caring child of God did, I will feel as if I have “dun good.”
May her life be an example to be humble, laugh heartily, work mightily, and be of service to the world and to God. My wish for you is that you find so much love in your heart – it hurts!
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions – Hebrews 10:32 (KJV)
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnie_Pearl
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.