I vividly remember the day that Kathy Haney (Travis LeDoyt's Fan Club President) contacted me to suggest doing an article on a hospital visit Travis had made during the Tupelo Elvis Festival in the Summer of 2003.

I had no inkling of how that opportunity would change my life - but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. This was to be no exception.  Belinda Thomas was a huge fan of Travis' since seeing him the first time he performed at the Tupelo Elvis Festival a few years before. She had faithfully returned every year to see his awesome performance.

However, in June 2003 she was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia, and was hospitalized for treatment just a few days prior to the festival. Unbeknownst to her, but realizing how upset she was to miss Travis' performance, her family made a request through the festival office of the possibility of Travis visiting her at the hospital. Just to say Hi...and maybe sing a song or two. Being the kind-hearted, caring person that Travis is he made that visit - and left after two hours of "visiting" and singing to Belinda. Needless to say she was thrilled, and always treasured that memory!

I was enthralled to compile an article on the hospital visit - but before initially calling  Belinda I was extremely nervous. What was I going to say? My fears disappeared within the first few moments of talking to her. She was so sweet, and had such a zest for life. I was amazed at how positive and brave her outlook was! She was convinced that she was here for a reason, and she would live out that reason as long as God intended. Her faith inspired me - surely if this courageous woman could be strong in the situation she faced - then I could conquer anything I was dealing with! I will never forget that first time I heard her laugh - it was infectious, and before I hung up the phone we were giggling like school girls, and sharing some of the fun times we had both experienced in our lives. That first phone call led to many heart-to-heart talks after that. I had found a new friend in Belinda: one that was kind, compassionate and FUN!

During one of our conversations in the early fall we were discussing Belinda's birthday. What did she want to do more than anything? Go to see Travis - without any hesitation! It was his opening weekend at Harrah's in Tunica. "Please come and celebrate my birthday with me Ronda," she asked. Her entire family was going to be there, as well as her best friend Nancy who was flying in from Ohio. How could I say No? We had both talked about wanting to meet in person. I couldn't wait to be with her. We had offered each other love & hugs over the phone - but I wanted a REAL Belinda hug!!!

The weekend we spent at Harrah's last November is one I'll never forget and will treasure always. Belinda & I surprised Travis, and she presented him with a dozen roses - something she had wanted to do so much to thank him for taking the time to visit with her in the hospital. We all spent quality time together that weekend, and laughter filled the few precious days we were together.

Belinda had told Travis the previous summer that during the Tupelo Elvis Festival in June 2004 she was throwing a Bar-B-Q and he was going to come! What touched me most was that Travis would continually remind Belinda of her promise of that Bar-B-Q and that it was going to happen!

Sadly Belinda Thomas, 45, passed away after courageous battle with Leukemia on
April 22, 2004.

Valerie & I had discussed organizing a fan club get-together during the Tupelo Elvis Festival this summer. I couldn't get Belinda's Bar-b-q out of my mind - so I suggested it to Valerie. We both loved the idea! I excitedly called Belinda only a few weeks before she passed away. I said "Girly, you know that Bar-B-Q you were planning on having? How about you just sit back, relax and let Valerie & I throw that Bar-B-Q for you while we raise money for Leukemia Research?"

Belinda was absolutely thrilled! She said she couldn't wait for June. I was excited too, and looking forward to seeing her again. Belinda also told me: "When I get out of this hospital I'm going to see Travis perform again at Harrah's." I then asked her to put my Tupelo Mama on the phone (Belinda's Mom Lola) as I wanted to let her know about our plans that summer. Lola's response was one of joy, and she said she had chills that we would honor Belinda that way. It was then I heard Belinda's laughter and sweet voice. "What did she just say?" I asked Lola. I will never forget Belinda's final words to me...She said "Tell Ronda she's my little angel." Precious Belinda.

I will forever remember the rush of emotions as we were leaving Harrah's early that Sunday morning in November. Belinda had told me weeks before about a song she had heard one Sunday at Church called: I Can Only Imagine.  When Nancy & I had arrived that weekend, Belinda was laden with gifts for us.

One of the many was a CD with this very song. As we were pulling out of the parking lot in Tunica Belinda put her CD on and played it for the three of us. We all had tears streaming down our cheeks. I remember Belinda turned back and smiled at me through her tears, and the three of us grabbed each others hands.

"Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine...I can only imagine."

Just at that moment I looked up into the sky and remember thinking how beautiful it was - so very blue with the sun shining so bright. I was leaving with so many sweet memories. We all had such a great weekend - and how poignant that our fun time together had been spent with Travis. If it hadn't been for him I would never have known the gift of Belinda's friendship in my life over the past 9 months. She would never have touched my heart and changed my life the way she had. I will always be grateful to Travis for that.

Sweet Belinda. I am so glad that you don't have to "imagine" anymore. And I smile to think that now you have the best seat in the house at every heartfelt performance of Travis'. But you were wrong about one thing...Belinda you were MY angel my dear friend... and will be for always!