Benefit Concert

Last Saturday I went to a benefit concert for Christian, Stephanie, and Doug Kinneard's family.  Mindy Gledhill came from Utah to perform.  She was amazing!!!  I bought two of her cd's.  She has the most beautiful voice and her songs are so inspiring!  She knew Stephanie from high school and had some really nice things to say about Nie Nie.  She definitely gave me a little spiritual uplift. 

Stephanie and Christian's girls, Claire and Jane, came out and sang a song with Mindy for their parents.  They held hands and sang the sweetest lullaby.  Then they had the whole auditorium sing the chorus along with them.  The sweet spirit in that room was overwhelming.  I don't think there was a dry eye in that auditorium.  Once again, I felt so inspired to be a better person. Then they had two tributes with pictures.  One for Stephanie and Christian, and one for Doug Kinneard.  It was so beautiful.

This is my beautiful Mamma and her two sisters, Kristie and Patty Poo, and their cousin Mary Neilson (Christian's mom)  Mary told us that Christian was able to come home that day.  She told us about Christian being there when they unwrapped Stephanie's face. She said Stephanie looked around until she found Christian, and smiled.  She said, he smiled back and told her how much he loved her.  Then she told us how much harder Christian has been working at his therapy and in general.  He is determined to get better for Nie.  I am constantly inspired by their ongoing love story.

Logan was my date for the night.  I was really glad we got to share that awesome experience together.  He tied some yarn around his wrist that he got off of some Nie cookies we bought.  He told me he was going to keep it on his wrist until Nie gets out of the hospital.  I'm so thankful for Logan and his sweet heart.  I think that is a great idea, buddy.  Thanks for thinking of it.

This is Ava towards the end of the night.  Her dress got all wet, so she was down to her bloomers and her headband.  Luckily her Papa was snuggling her close to keep her warm.  I think she was pretty much ready for bed at this point, what do you think?

This was definitely a night I will always remember.  I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of this great event.  I've made new commitments to be a better mother, wife, friend, sister and daughter.  I hope one day, Stephanie especially, can know how many thousands of lives she's touched.  I think anyone who's heard their story, is a little better person because of it.  

If you'd like to read a GREAT article written about Stephanie and Christian, click here.  It will be well worth your time, I promise :)