Then, when Susanna Phillips opened her mouth and her voice filled the world's most prestigious opera house, I got chills. That's what happens when you follow someone for almost a year.
Moments ago, Phillips, Huntsville's most celebrated soprano, completed her first performance of "La Boheme" at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
Her performance - a mixture of smiles and song - wowed a packed house. Phillips received a standing ovation and several hoots and hollers from (I'm guessing) a few hometown supporters.
It's now off to the after-party to get Phillips' reaction and what other locals thought about the performance.
See Tuesday's Times for pictures and see Wednesday's Times for the complete story of Phillips' performance.