Better in the Long Run

State of Grace

"Hello Mrs. Hayes," I was greeted by a petite Asian woman wearing a head set as I entered the television studio in Toronto, "dressing room and wardrobe here." She pointed me to a room and I was then welcomed by another woman who introduced herself as Kim, the stylist.

"How are you? How was the flight?" She smiled, pulling things off the rack.

"Well I came in a few days ago. The kids are having a sleepover at my sister's while we stay down here." I smiled at Stephanie who was still waking up. I looked at my watch 7:05am. We had this morning television special with The Social at 9, Marilyn Dennis at 11, then a visit to the much music studio at 2. The award show was in two days and the city was hyped.

"How do you feel about this?" She handed me a black halter style jumpsuit with red heels.

"It's cute," I tried it on and both Steph and the stylist agreed it would be perfect. She gave me a few accessories and before going on the air, two of the hosts met us in the dressing room.

"We are huge fans of yours and Hunter's," Melissa said, "ps, that outfit is on point."

"Can I get a selfie before we go on?" Cynthia asked, pulling out her phone. We snapped a few pictures and they headed off to start. I got wired up with a mic and Steph watched from backstage. "Welcome to the stage, Mrs. Jenna Hayes!" The audience applauded as I walked out and grabbed a seat on the couch next to one of the other hosts, Lainey. "Jenna, welcome home and welcome to the Social." She smiled, diving right into the interview and discussion. "You were born and raised in Nobleton and Burlington before making the big move to Nashville. What do you miss the most about home?"

"Yes, I love Canada and as far as I am concerned I will always be a Canadian. I would have to say first and foremost I miss being able to see my dad,  my sister and my other family. Life is so hectic and the distance makes it hard." The conversation continued to talking about traveling especially with the kids. "We just wrapped up a UK tour last month and it was the first time our kids travelled on a huge commercial flight to the other side of the world. They loved it." The screen behind us displayed the picture of all five of us in the bridge in Manchester.

"Your family is adorable. Can you tell us a little about your kids?" Lainey asked.

"Thank you. Sutton just turned thirteen. She is a total music nerd and plays piano, electric and acoustic guitars. This past spring she was in her school musical of Peter Pan. She played Wendy. Easton is going to be ten this year. He is really good at sports. He does rock climbing, archery, fishing and is very outdoorsy. Beckett will be eight this year and he comes across as quiet but trust me that kid can make noise. He loves soccer and baseball right now." I smiled, "I could honestly talk about them all day long. They are so inspiring and sweet. I'm so proud to be their mom."

"Speaking of inspiring..." Cynthia pointed out the hair cut picture Sutton and I took. "You said this was your daughters idea."

I nodded, "She had a friend who's cousin had cancer and lost her hair. She wanted to donate her own hair." The audience applauded, "I was so proud of her. I decided to join her so we went and got our hair cut. She told me recently she plans on doing it again as soon as her hair gets longer. I think it's amazing." The interview continued and we discussed a few topics of interest before wrapping up the show. I changed back into my other clothes and headed to a studio in a different part of the building, got a new outfit on and headed into the next show. It was mostly the same questions but overall, I enjoyed it.

"Lunch?" I asked Steph. She nodded.

"This is crazy. Who woulda thought all the times we came and stood in the crowd that we would be down here as you prepared to take the stage and host." I shook my head.

"Never in a million years. Let's go grab a bite." We walked out of the back door of the studio and headed across the street to a small cafe.

"When does Hunter get here?" Steph asked.

"His flight gets in today at like eight PM or something. We have rehearsals for the show tomorrow." I paid the tab and we walked back to the studios, "Thank you so much for coming with me."

"It's my pleasure. I love spending time with you." she smiled, "We will all be staying up on Sunday to watch you guys." Stephanie was going to go back to Nobleton tonight while Hunter and I spent the next two days working in Toronto.

We continued conversing as we got directed to the next space for our interview. I was cohosting a country music show called "Top Ten" with Shawn and we did an interview tied into the show.

"The best part about this show is that you actually decided these top ten songs. The topic we gave you was Top Ten Country Anthems."

"Yes and my number ten pick is Ready, Set, Roll by Chase Rice." The video started and we had a break to chat. We spoke candidly about why I chose some of the songs as well as the upcoming award show. "And my number one country anthem is Country Girl Shake it For Me by Luke Bryan." The show wrapped up which meant Steph was headed to Nobleton and I was counting down the hours until Hunter arrived.