Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...

A lot has happened in the past week and a half and frankly, I haven't had time to blog about any of it. Almost two weeks ago I was beginning my final dress rehearsal for my production when two of my leads informed me they would be missing the final dress to attend the Lifehouse concert. I WAS LIVID! And seriously considered dropping them from the show, instead I opted for some severe consequences but felt like it wasn't right to just replace them. And I am so glad I didn't because of what happened the rest of the week. On Wednesday morning, my Sister went into labor (even though she wasn't due until mid-January) and my sweet little nephew Ian was born. But he immediately had complications and was taken to another hospital to their Newborn/Infant Intensive Care. I was so glad I hadn't replaced the two girls because it gave me time to take care of things with my family.
With my sister and nephew still in the hospital, I opened my show. I was very please with the job that the kids did. And I felt like it was a good debut for my first foray into directing high school. On closing night the kids gave me a very heartfelt tribute. But, for days I felt like I was just in survival mode as Ian's condition was worse.
For his story, please visit my sister's website for her son- http://www.ianjamesmurphy.com/ians-story.html
My sister had to make one of the hardest decisions, she let her son go. You see, he had so much bleeding in his brain that if he survived he would live his life a vegetable. I wrote her the following to express my feelings-
I have struggled to find the right words to tell you what your little guy means to me. I can't talk to you about it in person because I would turn into a puddle of blubbering.
I am so grateful that I got to meet little Ian. His spirit was palpable when I visited him at the hospital and when we all gathered to say goodbye. I have always admired you as a mother, your strength, your capacity to love and your spirit. I think Ian was sent to your family to give you a taste of eternity when you can be with him. I know that is of little comfort now when your heart is broken. But know how much I wish he was still here with us. I will miss playing with my little nephew, taking him on outings, hearing his laugh. And know although it was hard, I believe you made the right choice for your son. Because his life would've never reached its potential- and you did the most unselfish thing I can imagine, you gave your son back to Heavenly Father. I am sorry if it seems like I am in moving on mode, I just don't know how to deal with the heartbreak. His life means everything to me. And he will never be forgotten. I love you so much and I am so grateful you are my sister.

Love Always,
Kjersti

Life is but a moment in the eternal scheme of things.

My 1st visit to Ian in the hospital, I love his little lips!

Mickey taking care of Ian

Mickey and Ian

His precious face

The girls saying goodbye to their brother before he passed.

I will never forget his sweet face.

Ben with his cute son, Elliott

Yep, this little guy is my nephew!

I took time out to have a sleep-over with the girls and we made Mickey Mouse pancakes!

Jeff & Ivy at the funeral for Ian

The boquet we bought for Ian

Ian before he was laid to rest. As Maddie would say,
"Ian is so so so cute!"



My gorgeous niece, Ivy



Twinkle Twinkle Little Star-

Do you know how loved you are?

BYE BYE BIRDIE!!

Please come and see this show!! It's going to be GREAT!

Bye Bye Birdie!

Here is a promo we put together for the musical to show on the school announcements!
Come see the show!! It's gonna be goofy!

To my friend

This morning as I was thinking about recent events I got a notification for a new album from one of my favorite composers, Scott Alan. I listened to some samples of the songs, and one song stood out from the rest and perfectly applied to how I was feeling- It is called "I Remember"- And I would like to share it with you. It has helped me to heal a little bit from all that has happened.

Sometimes love fades away

And all you have are memories

Yes all that's left are memories...

But I will remember you-

As the sweetest chord to play

As a colorful refrain

Yes I will remember you-

As the sun upon my face

As the beautiful embrace

I remember you.

Sometimes love lets you know

That it is time to just let go-

Yes, it was time to just let go.

But I will remember you

As the perfect autumn night

As the muse that helped me write

Yes I will remember you-

As the song inside my heart

As my favorite piece of art

I remember you.

Sometimes the journey ends-

You wake to find you've lost

a friend...

But what you've gained are memories

Just promise that-

You will remember me.



So, dear blog reader- thank you for letting me sappy for a moment. And to my friend- if you ever read this- please know that you meant the world to me.