3.9.22
I will remember March 4th, 2022 for the rest of my life. There is so much to say, so I have to start from the beginning.
To give some context to the event, I wanted this show to be immersive and interactive. So, while Papa was still in Florida, I went up to his house to dig for old photographs. My hope was to find anything that would enhance the stories within the music. I envisioned them being made into prints and hung around the room like a gallery.
I also wanted each person to receive a Poems from Willow Creek booklet like the one Papa gave me, so I created one to serve as a guide around the room…almost like a scavenger hunt.
I have to say, walking Papa through this exhibit and seeing his surprise and overwhelm of emotion stands as one of my favorite parts of the night.
“Where did you find all these?” he kept asking. I would laugh saying “At YOUR house!”
After we finished the walk through, he pulled me in for a huge hug. I told him his seat was reserved right up front and that the show would be starting soon. Just two minutes before I turned the lights off to begin the show, he called me over.
He held my hands and cried, expressing over and over how overwhelming this all was. I told him how much I loved him and that he better not make me cry because I had to go up there soon.
And to end the evening, Papa returned the surprise hopping up on stage to pull me in for another hug and share his wisdom with everyone in the room.
“If you have friends, and I’m sure you all do, keep them in your heart. They’ll always be there. Don’t ever forget them. It’s where your memories are, it’s where your life is.” - L. Joseph Spear
That’s enough for now. Thank you Uni. Thank you to everyone who supported this.
P.S. This evening stands as one of my favorite memories with my Papa. If you have a favorite memory with one of your grandparents… would you tell me about it? I’d love to know. Feel free to reply to this email or leave a comment.
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