Martina McBride

picture - my kids!
Martina age 3, Isaac age 6, Baxter age 9

'GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT
SO MANY INSPIRING STORIES ON THE BOARD
I LOVE READING 'EM

Below is a letter of my family's story -
I hope that many folks can also be inspired
just glad to be a small part of this amazing experience



OUR “MARTINA” STORY
(from September 2008)

It is with great pleasure that my wife and I introduce our new, beautiful baby girl

MARTINA MARIE MAJORIS

“Little” Martina was born in Steubenville, Ohio on June 19th at 7:51 P.M.
She weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz. and was 19.5 inches

She is over two months now and is growing more beautiful each day!

My wife, Trinity did amazing in labor and is doing well.
And big brother, Isaac Joseph (age, 3 1/2) is very excited and he is learning to help.

We also wanted to extend our thanks for the fabulous Moline weekend last September.
My wife and I had a wonderful “mini” vacation, spending quality alone time, making new friends at the fan-club party, and attending two of the best concerts ever. And in the spirit, of a past generation, and the term, “Woodstock babies”, we now have a “Moline baby”!

Many people have asked about my daughter’s first name and how it was selected. We usually respond with “How much time do you have?” First of all, my wife and I think that it is a beautiful and unique name, but, upon some reflection, a more detailed answer can be explained in two parts.

I am not trying to pretend that I “know you” and what you are about, how you arrive at decisions and your preferences in life, but on the surface, fans like myself and the general music industry, has had the great fortune of being on the receiving end of your uplifting music and the standards you set. In short, from the view that I have, you are an amazing person! As a singer, performer, writer, producer, mother, wife and humanitarian, you, Martina, have been a rock of consistency. You have shown grace, compassion, and respect to all and you have remained committed to personal excellence, growth and individual creativity. You have never waivered from being a “role model”, to young girls especially, and the example that you and John show in balancing both career and family life has been, in a word, inspiring. You are a strong and intelligent woman and my wife and I are proud to name our daughter, Martina.

On a deeper level for me personally, the name “Martina” has been a steady piece of framework that surrounds, supports, and at times, opens doors to new territories for which I have never been. Twelve years ago, I was a lonely bachelor traveling back and forth to Buffalo, never giving Country music much of my attention, but an infectious radio single, titled “Wild Angels” was the beginning of a new path.

I believe that my true self was always there, but unless a close friend or a favorite song was at hand, I remained mostly a quiet and reserved person. Listening to your powerful music and second-to-none vocals and attending now close to forty “Martina” concerts has always been a tremendous spark, aiding me in becoming more aware of all of life’s possibilities. Right away, your family-friendly concerts and the overall warm atmosphere of your shows gave me a real insight into something that no one can have enough of – relationships. Often, attending the shows alone, I was witness to people of all ages, sharing a night out and singing along as mother and daughter, as old friends and new friends, as husband and wife and as a family of four. I became focused on expressing myself more openly, asking questions and talking with new people. Before I knew it, I was leading a male-only sing-a-long, to the chorus of “My Baby Loves Me” at the Bucyrus County Fair in Ohio, I was making new friends at “Meet ‘n’ Greet” Lines and meeting these same folks at other concerts and in the spirit of the holiday season, I donned a Santa Cap for the televised, 1998 TNN Christmas special. But, the most blessed experience was taking my Mother on a week-long trip to Fan Fair in Nashville in June of 1998.

This trip to Tennessee still remains as one of the highlights in my life, affording my Mom and me the opportunity to further bond. We had many deep and meaningful conversations as well as several funny moments and situations. We made memories that I will never forget. My Mom, Donna Majoris, a faithful attendee of six Martina concerts, even during chemotherapy, passed away in July of 2000. She was my best friend, confidante, teacher, and role model and she was the most attentive listener and gracious person that I ever met. Her favorite song, largely due to the in-concert video portrayals of your daughters, was “Valentine”. She affectionately responded to your comment on what the song means to you and your everlasting love for your children. At my Mother’s request, “Valentine” was played during her funeral mass. My daughter’s middle name, “Marie”, is in her honor.

Coinciding with your release of “Emotion” in the fall of 1999, I was running the full gamut of emotions with my Mom’s courageous effort and a new person in my life, my wife, Trinity. Attending several of your shows in the early part of 1999, gave me the chance to hear live, “Bluegrass” music for the first time, with the excellent opening band, Diamond Rio. I was so taken with the arrangement and harmonies during one of their acoustic sets. I had to hear a full-length, Bluegrass concert. Again, staying open to life’s possibilities, I saw an ad in a local newspaper about a small venue off interstate 70, between Wheeling and Cambridge, Ohio. I was off to see “The Rarely Herd” band on November 13, 1999 at the Pennyroyal Opera House. The evening was full of friendly folks, fine desserts at intermission and quality musicians, both on and off-stage, during the “picking” sessions, but little did I know I had a date with destiny.

We live our lives in “big” blocks of time, often moving from one routine, trial or tribulation to the next, but it is the little moments that captivate and help weave the very fabric of our being. I had such a moment when I first saw my wife. The Pennyroyal basement-dining area had all but cleared out as people were heading upstairs for the second set, but while almost at the entrance door, I happened to catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye, for which I am forever grateful. The heavenly sight (and sound) was Trinity playing guitar and singing. She was both bold and beautiful at the same time, without any regard that no one was there to accompany or appreciate her gift of music. I paused for a brief moment and then walked over and pulled up a chair a table’s length away.

Trinity kept on singing and I was completely gone. Her angelic voice was equally matched by her bright, blue eyes, radiant smile and long flowing hair. I was so nervous, that I kept raising and setting down an empty Pepsi can, as if it were still full for consumption, something that we still laugh about today. I was so overwhelmed by her singing and playing that I had to do something with my hands, so I relied on an aluminum can as my prop. After singing a few of her uniquely-arranged, original compositions, she pulled her chair closer and the discussion of music became our bridge, connecting and eventually leading us to many new and blessed directions. She found me a guitar and we took turns playing, although the only song I could remember was an instrumental version of “God Rest You Merry Gentleman”. As a relative newcomer to the guitar, Trinity was very patient in trying to teach me additional chords, and as I hit a few bum notes in a row, I had a second life-changing episode that night, that I will always cherish.

After becoming uneasy with trying to strum along, I looked up and into Trinity’s warm eyes, she extended her hand to my shoulder and said that I am doing fine and to not to worry and just play. It was a moment of tenderness that enveloped me from head to toe and a comforting and new feeling was asserting itself very quickly. I was falling fast.

We never did make it to the second set of the Rarely Herd band and after being hesitant to first make the drive and attend a concert by myself, Trinity and I were one of the last people to leave. I called my Dad that night and rushed over to my Mom’s the next morning. I knew right away that I had found the girl I was going to marry.

My wife and I continue to grow and bond with music being a central part of our relationship, especially the road-trips surrounding our many, “Martina” shows like Moline. I now have someone to sing with during your poignant love ballads. (Trinity even makes me sound half-way decent during “My Baby Loves Me”). Wherever we go, I love watching my wife and how people are naturally drawn to her. She has a rare genuineness about her and folks instantly pick up on her sweet and caring disposition. I can turn my head for a second and then she is engaged in conversation. This endearing quality of Trinity reminds me so much of my Mother. I am so grateful that we found each other and for our two beautiful children, who are indeed gifts from God.

Yes, my new baby girl, on the surface, is named after one of contemporary music’s most influential and popular female singers. But for me, on a layer beneath the still waters, the name “Martina” has always been a warm and comforting place where I can retreat to and encounter many new adventures and individuals. I am not sure what the name “Martina” actually means or what its origin is, but, I like to think it stands for the word, “celebration” – of all of the good things that life has to offer, keeping one’s arms open wide and embracing both sorrows and joys alike. And now, every glance or hug or laugh shared with my daughter is a splendid reminder. From first hearing “Wild Angels” on the radio to now naming my daughter, “Martina”, the past twelve years has been an incredible journey.

I am writing this letter for the purpose of just saying “thank you”. I firmly believe that your family-oriented shows and respectful fans are quality “fruits” or extensions of your labor. You have stayed true to yourself, and that has to been one of the hallmarks of Martina McBride. My daughter has to be her own person now and I am not looking to use her and her name as a vehicle to heighten my own self. I am just one person with a story, who wanted to give his little girl a great start, with a solid name.

You have definitely been an inspiration and also thanks for the song, “House of a Thousand Dreams”. The lyrics and message of this hopeful track speak volumes to a husband and father of two young children.

Blessed, that’s How We Feel!


MICHAEL J. MAJORIS
STRONGERWINGS120297


May God Bless you, John and your family!

Here’s hoping, that with God’s good graces, you can keep touring and making records for several more years – I can think of no better place to spend an evening with my family.