Tara Turns 22!!

Wow, time flies so fast. My cute little sister turned 22 yesterday. I was only 6 when she was born, but I remember that day like it was yesterday. It seems so strange to think that she is 22 already.

She had a fun filled day...other than the fact she had to go to school...hehe. She did take some treats to school though and loved having the whole school sing happy birthday to her during lunch. Just before she came home from school my mom and I went outside and hung a big happy birthday sign on the garage so she would see it when she got off the bus. As soon as the bus pulled up we ran outside to see her reaction. She got off the bus with a huge smile on her face and walked right up to the garage just giggling and smiling. She read the sign out loud and said, "Sweet! I just got a garage door for my birthday!" Mom and I busted up laughing, it was classic Tara!

As she walked in the house the first thing she noticed was the smell of cake in the air and that again fueled the giggling laughter. The second thing she did was glance at the piano bench (the "present place" in our house) and was in awe of all the gifts lined up waiting to be opened. After presents we went to Applebees for dinner and so they could sing to her, and then we went to the movie 17 Again. It was fun. After the movie we went back and played with her gifts.

All in all it was a great day!!

Paul Cardall

I just have to get on today and talk about what a wonderful experience I had last night. I had the opportunity to attend a benefit concert held for popular pianist Paul Cardall. It was absolutely amazing. For any of you who don't know, Paul has a congenital heart defect and is in need of a heart transplant. The concert last night was to help raise money for Paul and his family. I know I bought a ticket and that I was there to support Paul, but it didn't feel like that last night. Last night there was a very special spirit that filled the room. I felt so honored to be able to be in attendance.

There were many great performances during the concert. Kurt Bestor started off with some beautiful and touching pieces, including a performance of Prayer of the Children. It was awesome. Then there were some fun performances by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, they were a hoot to watch on stage! Peter Brienholt sang some beautiful and fun songs. Colors (pretty much my favorite band ever!!) played some songs and Russ did his traditional rap. It was a great concert. There were times you were laughing, dancing, pondering and crying. The highlight of the night was when Paul and his family came up on stage and thanked everyone for coming, then Paul took a seat at the piano and played one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I was bawling by the time he finished.

It was the best concert I've ever attended. The spirit of love that was there was undeniable. It felt so good to be there and doing good for someone else. Listening to everyone talk about Paul's condition and the other "cardiac kids" at Primary Children's Hospital just solidified that I want to go into the field of pediatric cardiology. If I could help one child to feel any better, or ease the pain of one physical or emotional heartache, it would all be worth it.

Thank you Paul for your example. You are in my prayers. May God bless you and your family.