Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Living for Eden



The benefit concert for Paul Cardall was wonderful! We made a girls night out of it: me, Mom, Coke, Kelly, G-ma Maples, Brooke, Sylvia, Kori, and sweet little sleepy Sammie. We sat by Allana, Eric, Natalie, and her family. I got to talk to Michelle (Gracie's Mom), Mindi (McKay's Mom), Jessica (angel Issac's Mom), Ally (Grant's Mom)and ran into a few old friends. I looked for all you other heart families, but I couldn't see you, where were you... Hello?!
My Mom and G-ma got there really early...first in line... to get us great seats...thanks ladies, I had to wait for Ryan to get home to watch the boys. I really enjoined all the performers, they were fun,emotional,touching,inspiring, and breath taking!
I met Paul Cardall for the first time when I was in Young Women's, my favorite YM leader went to collage with him and had Paul come and do a fireside...I knew nothing about his heart. Then this past year when T was having his first surgery, I needed to cancel some dental appointments, after I told the receptionist my reason for canceling she told me, " Brytten I am so sorry, I don't know if you know Paul Cardall, but he is my nephew and he only has half a heart, he is 34 and married and has a little girl." I told her, "I think I know who he is, the pianist... right?" Well long story short every dental appointment since we have talked about Paul and his need for a heart. I finally got to meet Paul for the second time when he played at Gracie's funeral... I also got to meet his beautiful wife and his mother. I hugged his mom first because that is who I felt the biggest connection with... to go through all that we go through as heart mom's without other moms... I don't know how she did it. Both her and Paul gave me the best advice... "LET HIM RUN" ...meaning treat him normal and let him out of his bubble. That's when I decided it really is about QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. We look forward to a great summer...experiencing everything through Teagan's eyes!
Paul is truly an inspiration to me...HE GIVES ME HOPE! No matter what happens to Paul, I know he has helped so many families with CHD'S. He has lived a wonderful life and now he lives as a example to our children and of course for Eden and his family! May our Father in Heaven answer all our prayers and let Paul LIVE FOR EDEN! With tear filled eyes...Thank you Paul for sharing your life with all of us, thanks for sharing your talent and friends and for letting us join in on this very personal journey...You deserve everything our Father has in store for you and your family!
Coke, me, & my Mom...I wish we could have got a picture of everyone we came with.
Michele, Mindi, & me chatting before the show.
Me & Michele
Me & Paul's Mom
Paul Playing Gracie's Song


8 comments:

Natalie J said...

It definitely was a special evening!

Chelsee said...

I didn't know you saw him when you were in YW. That must have been before I was in. Wish I could have been with all my favorite ladies. I hope he gets his heart.

carolyn q said...

I am sorry that I missed you. Your mom was wonderful as she helped keep Nathan entertained while standing in line since I was setting up the IHH table.
We ended up leaving early because Nathan was just to hard to handle for us to continue to enjoy the concert. I was bummed!!!
(HUGS)

Snowsted said...

I am glad that you were able to go to the concert. I was working that night and really wanted to go but didn't have time by the time I got off work. Paul's wife works with me and I actually worked with her yesterday and she was soooooo grateful for such great support from everyone. She was absoutly amazed that the concert sold out. They are an amazing family and I enjoy talking to Lynette at work and hearing how things are going with her husband.
I hope that everything is going well with Teagan and the rest of the family. Take Care.
Kristie

Allison said...

Great to see you! What a fun girls night out!

Anonymous said...

THE EVENING WILL ALWAYS BE A CHERISHED EXPERIENCE...
IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO BE THERE!
MAY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER POUR OUT HIS BLESSINGS UPON THE CARDALL FAMILY & THE MANY HEART FAMILIES AS WELL.

WITH A HEART FULL OF GRATITUDE & LOVE,
G-MA DEE

Cort said...

Wow Mom learns to text now she is leaving comments?! I can't imagine what will come next?! That concert was so great! I am sad I had to leave early but the drive ahead didn't seem too fun.
Love Ya!

Ashley said...

Where did you get that SUPER cute dress?!? You look amazing in those pics.

I'm glad that you were able to go to the concert and with your mom.....she's the best!