We have officially launched the holiday season at our house by taking in a Broadway production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. The show was touring in Omaha, which is more than a little off Broadway. It provided plenty of dazzle, including a thrilling performance by Lorna Luft, who happens to be Judy Garland’s daughter. I seriously thought I was going to cry when she glided out on the stage with her hands held out at the sides just the way her mother used to do it in the movies.

Before that moment, though, I almost ruined the entire night for everyone. The Orpheum theater is grand and gorgeous. I was in awe as we climbed the stairs and crossed the hall to find our seats. Then, we found them, and I panicked. I’m slightly height challenged. Or maybe it is spatially challenged. I don’t do well seated two stories above the stage, overlooking a dark chasm that ends in the orchestra pit.

I got dizzy, and my chest felt tight, and my stomach threatened to be completely embarrassing. And, everyone could tell. I wanted desperately to be all right. Or, to be on flat ground. One of the two. But mostly I wanted to relax so everyone else could enjoy the great seats instead of worrying about me.

I prayed. I took calming breaths. I tried to focus on the head in front of me. But the sense of panic got worse. I glanced at the wings and wondered if I could make it to the exit without falling to my death. Then, as if reading my mind, my husband leaned over and said, “Hold onto my arm. I won’t let you fall.”

So, I did. And the world immediately righted itself. The panic faded as the curtain rose. I managed to release my death grip on Wendell’s arm to applaud every song. And, I didn’t stop smiling all night.