I'll admit it. I've had a bit of a cold this week which has made me tired, and I've been stressed out about money and holidays and teens and the like. I've been excited about having Tom here but I couldn't quite imagine feeling the joy.
Damn, was there ever joy though.
Tom has one of the best laughs ever. Ernie went outside to greet him and Sage when they got here and I could hear Tom's laugh and I immediately felt happier. Tom is one of my favorite humans…the quickest of wits, the tenderest of hearts, the most powerful of talents and good God can the man work an audience. Yet he always has the right touch. I love him with all my heart, as Ernie does.
It was the first time we'd seen Sage play with him….could not have possibly imagined how wonderful she was—and I loved chatting with her as well. Someone who loves history as much as I do. She was amazing…dance skills on top of fiddle skills!
It was a glorious night. Tom managed to work our beloved County Board Candidate Mary King into numerous songs (In the Service of the King) and Teri and her blood drive…and Eva made an outstanding appearance as an arctic reindeer. He did one of the most beautiful versions of I Thought I Heard a Train ever…well, I think that every time I hear it and managed to close out the night by magically compelling the audience to sing Silent Night acapella. It was heart touchingly beautiful.
My food turned out pretty well, people were generous with food and donations, wonderful friends were here. Amy and Jerry, who Tom married in Nashville last year were here. It was joyous and loving. I loved every bit of it. Thank you so much to all who helped bring the joy.
Merry Christmas.
photos by Richard Hill. Thanks, as always, Richard! More photos on Facebook