What started out as a five-minute talk and a book signing byNaomi Judd turned into an evening of hope and good news at the SMUBarnes and Noble bookstore.

Initially, about 25 people showed up for the event, some comingfrom miles away, and all die-hard Judd fans of long standing. Juddinvited the small crowd to come closer to the podium so they couldhave a friendly visit among neighbors. She spoke of her book andthe events that led to its creation. As she spoke, more and morepeople entered the store and crowded around the vibrant, petitedynamo in red until approximately 65 people had gathered.

“I’m just a simple country girl,” Judd said.”I put my self through nursing school and raised my girls.One day the doctors came along and told me that I had severeHepatitis C and that I was going to be looking at God’s earthfrom six feet under ground. I read the reports. They were right,but it made me so mad that I could just spit. I demandedanti-depressants; some of the medicines they give you for hepatitiscause biochemical depression. At that point I turned my lifearound. I had to. In 1990, things were pretty grim. I foughtback.”

Judd began visiting scholars and doctors, anyone who might sharesome insight on how to fight back. She began looking into her heartand prioritizing things. She also began a program of internalvisualization and self-awareness. Judd feels confident that this isthe reason that she is alive today. She found her inner strengthand peace.

“I spoke to a Senate subcommittee on my condition, topeople from the Mayo Clinic, and hospitals around the world,”Judd said. “Why, you ask, because I am a medical anomaly. Iam completely cured of Hepatitis C and all of its sideeffects.”

Judd said that according to medical studies done by the MayoClinic and other medical groups, 85 percent of all illnesses arestress related. She said that it is important for people to lookwithin and decide what is important in their lives.

Judd talked about studies that have been done on concentrationcamp victims who survived and people who live to be one hundred ormore years old. She wanted to know what the studies found abouttheir basic characteristics. Social scientists discovered thatthere were eight traits that these people had in common. Judd saidthey also discovered three types of people. There are reactive,proactive or neutral people. The proactive people live longer,according to Judd and the studies.

“I wanted to live. I’m a survivor,” Judd said.”I have to at least live long enough to create problems formy two daughters Ashley and Wynona,” she chuckled.

When she recovered from her illness, Judd asked doctors andspecialists why these visualization techniques and self-improvementconcepts weren’t written down anywhere. She said that as anurse, as soon as that doctor gives you a fatal diagnosis,you’re doomed by your own lack of self-confidence and faith.Judd said this was what inspired her to write her book.

“She’s a very down to earth woman,” saidCheryl Seymour, a Judd fan from Irving. “I’ve known hersince my daughter was four years old, that’s about 18 yearsnow. I first met her at the state fair then later at BillyBob’s.”

Seymour pulled a small picture of a child and Judd from herwallet and beamed with maternal pride at her grown daughterstanding in line with her.

Rachel Jones, an elderly, handicapped woman, drove from Wichita,Kansas to see Judd.

“My son told me that she would be here,” Jones said.”I saw information on her book and wanted it badly. When myson said she was here there was nothing for it but to see her inperson and get her to sign the book for me. I’ve been a fanfor years.”

Jones said she first saw Judd and daughter Wynona singing a dueton television and has admired Judd since then.

Judd opened the floor for questions. She was greeted withstories from members of the audience about their own survivalefforts. They asked for advice, shared their stories and many shedquiet tears.

“This is what my book is about,” said a tearfulJudd. “It’s about you.”

“If I had one thing to share with the college students andyoung people of today,” Judd said.

“I would tell them to spend time alone. Our culture is toofragmented. There are too many people and things making demands onthem and their attention. They need time alone to reflect or justrest. Everyone needs time alone,” she said.

SMU student Craig Smith was standing close by and adamantlyagreed with Judd.

“I finally have space to myself,” Smith said.”I have had more roommates since I have been at school than Iwould care for in a lifetime!”

Judd said that her plans for the future include promoting herbooks, her new cosmetics line and spoiling her grandchildrenrotten.